Role Of Community In Curbing The Second Wave Of COVID19
India has been witnessing a sudden surge in COVID-19 cases. The number of people infected per day has reached over 1 lakh, a nine-fold increase from March 2021. The death toll has risen over 600 per day, a seven-fold increase compared to last month. It indicates that India has already entered the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We need to understand that it is nearly impossible for any healthcare system to the medical needs of all the people affected on the mammoth scale we are witnessing with COVID 19. Any further significant increase in cases at this point may hobble the entire healthcare system.
Frontline workers, family, and community are the three important pillars whose participation is required in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The doctors and hospitals utilizing the available resources to maximal limits. Although at the family level we are vigilant, at the community level we are showing irresponsible behaviour. People are venturing out of their homes for pleasure trips, political processions, religious and festive celebrations, in spite of knowing that the COVID pandemics yet not over. All this may have disastrous consequences.
Individuals should incorporate COVID-19 protocols into their daily routine to reduce disease transmission. Many are not following protective measures. The community should be made aware of the best methods to deal with the pandemic and conduct campaigns and social awareness programs. Unfortunately, after the first wave, people seem to have adopted a casual approach to the pandemic.
A lot needs to be done at the community level. There are several ways through which the community can help in reducing the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. These are isolation, sensitization, social distancing, unity, and social responsibility.
“We should not forget the example of the plague outbreak in India in 1994. It was the sheer participation at the community level which helped to stop an epidemic turning into a pandemic.”
Isolation plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infection. There should be quick disease detection and immediate quarantine of the infected person. The community should restrict the interaction of the public with travellers. Keeping away the travellers from the general population, especially the vulnerable class such as the elderly and infirm, helps in slowing down the spread of disease. Further, the community leaders and social organizations should keep a close watch on the people visiting their community and inform the government authorities in case such visitors have any symptom of COVID-19.
It has been observed that despite the cap on the number of people in social functions like marriages, funerals, and religious gatherings, people are gathering in large numbers. It may have severe implications as it may lead to mass transmission. Public responsibility and accountability are required to curtail this.
There must be adequate support to the infected people and their families from society. Unity must prevail in the society for moral and physical support to its members. Although there must be a physical distancing, the community must avoid emotional distancing. COVID-19 is a disease, and it should never be stigmatized. It might have a rippling effect on psychological and mental health, and even hinder voluntary testing for infection.
The NGOs, social workers, and business houses have offered significant help during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unethical practices, such as hoarding of essential commodities and profiteering should be checked, as it may result in inflation or other financial stress. The government and non-government organizations, business and community leaders and social workers must ensure that the benefits must reach the section of the society that needs them.
“During the initial 21 days of the lockdown, the Indian economy expected a loss of Rs 32,000 crore per day. Many companies have suspended or reduced operations. Several people lost their jobs. In a developing country like India, another complete lockdown may not be a viable option. It’s not just physical and mental health, the fiscal health of the nation is also suffering. It is, thus, important that people should actively participate to prevent transmission.”
Social media has played a role in this pandemic like never before in history. Much responsibility rests with society in regulating and utilizing it properly, and to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and fake news. Information technology entrepreneurs must especially take the lead in harnessing the immense power of technology to serve the material and healthcare needs of society at this crucial time.
Vaccination is a viable means of protection against COVID 19. Therefore, all eligible must volunteer to be vaccinated at the earliest. People’s behaviour towards the pandemic and the level of practising preventive measures will decide the future of the pandemic.
Written by Dr Ranjit Mohan, Consultant, Internal Medicine-Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospitals (Views Are Personal)
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