These, here, are terrible times. The nation as one has heeded a call for isolation and over a billion people are remaining in the confines of their homes in what is an unprecedented, suffocating scenario; something that was not witnessed to such intensity and sweep even in times of war. The situation demands as much and this is time to keep off, not go around. China, for one, seemed to have overcome a deadly situation with such strong steps. There is hope in the air and this is time to face the situation with grit, perseverance and determination.
The adverse impact of the Covid19 spread is there for all to see and fathom. The health care sector is under serious strain even as yeomen services are rendered by the medical teams by staking their own lives across hospitals. The economy is set for a freeze, over and above the hit it had taken in recent times. A Rs 1.7 lakh crore economic stimulus package announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday should stave off the immediate concerns of the small and medium industries as also the workforce. Free rations for BPL families too should be a saving grace. At the same time, tax flow to the exchequer will see a sharp fall during the present month. Yet, salaries to government employees will have to be paid as usual, and other urgent expenses met.
What might be a matter of some comfort, though, is that the government will save substantially on foreign exchange reserves. A large part of this goes every term for import of oil by way of huge energy bills. A three-week shutdown of roads will mean a substantial savings on that count. Also, notably, pollution levels in capital New Delhi have seen a sharp fall, down to normal level within a day of the shutdown. India is experimenting with a new situation in these odd times, and with considerable poise and courage. Checking the virus spread is a top priority. No vacillation on this count will be acceptable from the law-enforcing agencies.
The world itself is on edge. The US, Spain and Italy are struggling hard to cope with the emerging Covid scenario. The figures of infections as also deaths are mounting in these developed nations, while the rest of the world too is in exasperation. Over 190 nations – almost the entire world – is under the Covid’s evil spell. That the toll in India is steadily rising remains a matter of serious worry.