SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
Does India need another lockdown?
India had imposed a total lockdown even before the total Covid-19 cases were less than 500 per day and less than 100 deaths. Now we are about to reach one lakh cases and more than 1000 deaths per day but the Modi is busy with the peacock. Countries in the west like England, Spain and Israel are imposing lockdown with fewer cases.
So what is the Modi Government waiting for? To make India the no. 1 Covid-19 country in the world?
Matias Lobo, Tivim
Lockdown effects on sportspersons
I speak on the behalf of the many athletes of Goa that are stuck at home and the handful of them that continue to have the motivation to practice every day despite the sports complexes and tracks being closed. Even with the grounds closed, SAI still plans to conduct the School Games and National Games and other various competitions in the next, leaving most of our Goan athletes at a disadvantage as our performance has surely decreased during the lengthy quarantine.
Opening the grounds one month before the Nationals or competitions will have zero effect on our low performance caused by the many lockdowns. Opening at least one sports complex like Bambolim Track Stadium would be highly beneficial for our athletes here in Goa. Our athletes are training on the open grounds, roads, highways and even in their backyard just to keep fit but some of the technicalities in their sport require equipment only available at sports complexes. Training at such places is also dangerous for our athletes and put them at risk. If the tracks opened, all sports and individuals would practice social distancing and all safety regulations against the virus and the athletes would attend practice at their own will.
Also our girl athletes face problems from our Indian society and culture which are identical to the problem of Samyuktha Hegde, an actress, who was attacked by women named Kavitha Reddy for wearing a sports bra to train in a park in Bangalore. The only place where athletes face no judgment from society for wearing tights or ‘revealing or provocative’ clothing is their place of work. The concerned authorities need to look into this in the interest of all athletes.
Shimron Nathan, Porvorim
Covid cases detected after post-mortem
Over the past several days Goa has witnessed a spike in the number of COVID-19 positive cases. The number of deaths due to the novel coronavirus per million population is the highest in the country. While most of the deaths have been reported in the designated COVID-19 hospitals and COVID-19 Care Centres, what is disturbing is that many have been brought dead to the hospitals and tested positive post mortem. This can lead to a dangerous situation.
It is a well-known fact that the body of a COVID-19 positive person is cremated by following strict norms and standard operating procedure (SOP). Those who are handling the dead body are required to wear the PPE, masks, face shields and undergo proper sanitization. This protocol may not be followed by the people handling the dead body of a person who is tested positive post-mortem. Hence there is every possibility of the people who have handled the dead body, while shifting it to the hospital, contracting the infection who can in turn become super-spreaders.
There is also every possibility that the ambulance that has carried the dead body of the COVID-19 positive person not being sanitized properly as the positive status of the dead body was not known in advance. Hence all those who have handled a dead body which was tested positive post mortem need to undergo mandatory testing and the ambulance properly sanitized.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Vidhan Sabha Session
One can understand why the Goa Vidhan Sabha is not being held for a longer period of time. Parliament sessions are being held for 15 days, Rajya Sabha as well as Lok Sabha. All types of examination are being held among Pandemic time. Even Religious places and schools to start shortly. Then why not Vidhan Sabha?
Why can't Vidhan Sabha function for 10 to 15 days so that issues like Covid-19, law and order, riots and murders, mining, unemployment, destruction of greenery, hill cutting, wildlife, forests, labour fiasco, Margao wholesale fish market, functioning of CCTV cameras in cities, government schemes etc. can be discussed.
So the request by Sudin Dhavlikar for longer session of Vidhan Sabha is a valid one. Goa government has to think and decide about this. Hope better sense prevails.
Natividade Fernandes, Cavelossim
Rise in unemployment
Job losses and economic malaise in India show no sign of slowing as the impact of the coronavirus continues to batter almost every sector. Experts say recovery will be long and difficult. India's massive work force is being hit hard by coronavirus. Hospitality, aviation, media, entertainment and automobile parts manufacturers are among the sectors seeing the most job cuts. The informal economy is also feeling the heat with thousands of small-scale traders and hawkers shutting shop.
India's economic downturn is putting pressure on government finances, as revenues fall short of projections and Indian states struggle to pay their bills and loans. Government figures show that India's GDP contracted by 23.9% from April as coronavirus lockdowns brought key industries to a halt and rendered millions of people jobless.
Economists say the figures do not capture the full extent of the havoc wreaked by the lockdown, especially on smaller companies. It's the part of the economy that includes jobs such as vegetable and fruit vendors, rickshaw pullers, and daily labourers — jobs that are not covered by legal contracts.
Extended lockdown in some states has also resulted in great economy loss resulting poor to plunder and indulge in robbery. Apart from all precautionary measures, it is time for government to support and enhance in augmenting jobs.
Farha Sayed, Benaulim
Wearing a mask very important
Everyone in India and Goa now knows the risks involved of the Corona virus infection. It is a more than a viral lightweight infection. Most survive the infection but suffer permanent wear and tear marks. Many are readmitted to hospitals upon recovery that is after testing negative. It is very important to wear a mask properly to cover the mouth and the nose. To wash hands with soap and running water for at least 0 seconds for ones safety and the safety of others. To avoid crowded places and to maintain social distancing. To avoid AC shops that keep doors and windows shut.
I have noticed that in Goa mostly pharmacies are air conditioned and closed spaces, as such unsafe despite clear instructions from the Health department. It is important to stay fit and immune not by consuming immunity pills but by regular exercise and a healthy diet to include greens. To take proper rest and to follow the instructions of the health authorities. To maintain hygiene personal and in the kitchen.
To avoid crowded spaces like shops markets and gatherings. To keep in mind that if infected government Covid-19 facilities are limited and knowledge is even more limited. According to studies we will have to live with the virus for at least 2 more years and the vaccine is nowhere near.
Mask is very important protector for the safety of all.
Alex Pinto, Candolim
