Pandemic predicament, Time for a lockdown?

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The WHO has already declared Omicron as a ‘variant of concern’ and two cases have just been confirmed here in Bengaluru. Should we err on the side of caution with another lockdown? Or will the toll on the economy be too much to bear?

‘Govt must take regimented measures’

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) coronavirus variant was first identified on 24 Nov 2021 in South Africa and soon found in other African nations. Currently, 23 countries have reported its occurrence. India reported its first two cases from Bengaluru on Dec 2 2021. In lieu of data suggesting an increased risk of transmissibility, Omicron has been categorized as ‘Virus of Concern’ by W.H.O. Strain gets classified as VOC when any one of the following is seen ~ increased transmissibility, increased virulence indicated by increased hospital admissions, ICU admissions and increased deaths or decreased effectiveness of vaccines against this variant. RT-PCR will not identify this variant; once RT-PCR is positive, a sample needs to be sent for genetic sequencing to ascertain and confirm the Omicron variant.

Data available so far suggest this variant has 30 mutations on its spike protein, with some signals indicating reduced antibody response to these mutated strains with a higher risk of transmission. In addition, signals suggest that being previously infected might not provide immunity, which could be a concern.

In India, genetic sequencing done in 16000 RT-PCR positive samples has identified 18 Omicron strains. The rapidity of its spread in South Africa has raised concerns globally - in mid-November, South Africa was reporting 200-300 cases. Currently, it reports an alarming 8500 cases a week. Virulence of this strain could only be confirmed in the ensuing 3-4 weeks when hospital admissions and increasing deaths get reported indicating its severity which we hope is not witnessed.

The rapidity of its spread across 23 countries in a short period should raise concerns for India, and stringent measures have to be incorporated to test, track and contain the spread of this variant. All the COVID appropriate behavioral (CAB) measures taken during the second wave have to be put in place in a regimental way. Avoiding 3 ‘C’s - closed spaces, crowded spaces, and close contact along with the compulsory wearing of masks and frequent sanitizing of hands goes a long way in mitigating the spread of this variant. Lessons were learned the hard way in the initial part of the second wave when mass gatherings in the form of religious congregations and political rallies led to an initial surge of cases and ensuing deaths.

The public has to champion CAB and leadership roles by individuals to ensure this happens at the community level. Health care professionals, Government, and bureaucracy in our State have demonstrated their grit and commitment in battling and tiding over the first two waves remarkably well. Now I believe it is time for the public to be proactive.

No need for lockdown if govt does its job right - D Shashikumar, General secretary of the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS)

I mposing a lockdown to curtail the transmission should be the last thing in the mind of the government. It has been a costly affair, extracting a heavy toll on the economy. The drop in active business owners was the largest on record, and losses to business activity were felt across nearly all industries because of the last two lockdowns. We need to take charge of our own health and avoid transmitting as well, through the judicious use of masks, sanitizers, physical distancing and proper ventilation of indoor spaces.

Our political class is now obsessed with their election campaigns and can think of little else. Preparing for a viral onslaught requires dedication, time and effort and they are too busy pandering to their vote banks to take substantive steps. A lockdown is easier, isn’t it? It’s like opening a stuck lock with a sledgehammer rather than a pick – the government will opt for the last resort.

There are hundreds of people taking to social media to theorise on how the country’s top scientists are hell-bent on imposing restrictions not to keep the virus at bay but to achieve nefarious ends. Whether or not this is the case is another story but the fact is that so many people don’t support a lockdown. We don’t even know enough about this new variant yet, or what measures are effective in combating it.

If nothing else, the government should join hands with the public and equally support the running of business and health precautions.

The state has fumbled with its sophisticated tools and is reaching for the blunt one instead. It should be obvious now that every