Governments both at the state and centre have used a slew of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. It included a complete lockdown of 21 days beginning March 24 this year and a gradual unlocking process which has now reached the fourth stage. Despite the efforts at containment and a huge awareness campaign seeking behavioural change which includes wearing masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, India is now second only to the US in terms of active Covid 19 cases. The reality is that social distancing poses to be the most challenging step, now that public transports have started operating and distancing in a taxi or bus is near impossible. Covid19 is seen to affect some people severely while others are asymptomatic spreaders. Medical specialists have said that some people have an innate ability to clear the virus because of their strong immune system and also because they have developed defences against the coronavirus after having earlier had milder forms of attacks such as from those causing influenza. Much also depends on the viral load. Exposure to small doses of the virus provides immunity and a head start to the body to fight the virus.
Even if a vaccine were to be available early next year as stated by different agencies involved in anti-Covid vaccine production, it will be a monumental task for a country of 1.3 billion people to be effectively vaccinated. As is observed in this country the VIPs and their families will have first right to the vaccine and those without clout will have to bide their time. Meanwhile, people have realised that they have to live as normal a life as is possible. For some though life has changed drastically WFH (Work From Home) is the new normal. A recent survey of IT professionals found that at least 74% preferred to work from home. But the large majority of Indians work in the manufacturing and other sectors; they have no option but to turn up for work now or lose their jobs.
A bigger challenge now is education and what it will mean for the large number of students at various levels who have been fed on a diet of online classes. It’s difficult to assess how many actually comprehend their lessons. There is a huge debate on whether examinations should or should not be conducted for undergraduate and university students. Those who braved the JEE and NEET exams did so because it was a do or die situation for them and their parents. It takes time to get back to normal from what has been an abnormal life for the past six months. Yet it is important to get back to what is commonly called the ‘new normal’ and to end unnecessary restrictions especially those related to inter-state travels. Life must go on. There is no knowing when the Covid19 virus will leave this land. It cannot handicap our lives endlessly.