Lockdown may continue with more curbs eased

June 28, 2021 31 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, JUN 27 (NPN): With the ongoing lockdown scheduled to end on June 30, the State government is likely to extend the period but with more curbs being eased in a phased manner as the covid positivity rate was still above 5% threshold set by the Centre.

According to health & family welfare (H&FW) department, the positivity rate in Nagaland as on June 27 dropped to 8.26% from 9% on June 25. The final call on the lockdown will be taken by High Powered Committee (HPC) on Covid-19, which was likely to meet on Monday.

It may be recalled that on June 1, the Centre had prescribed ‘Unlock’ criteria for districts after positivity rate was below 5% for a week, 70% of the vulnerable population vaccinated and community maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour and care.

World Health Organisation (WHO) had also recommended that the positivity rate should remain below 5% for at least two weeks before an outbreak could be considered to be under control.

“In terms of preventing the third wave, it is very simple that districts with less than 5% positivity should open up a little bit … they should open very gradually. They should ensure that the vulnerable population should achieve at least 70 per cent vaccination… if that has not been achieved, they should vaccinate them and then open up,” Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general Prof Balram Bhargava had said.

It was learnt that as the number of patients with severe cases in Covid hospitals have declined, along with the number of deaths, the process to ease more curbs may take place in phased manner.

A senior H&FW official pointed out that, considering the decline of active and severe cases including deaths in the State, lockdown could be gradually lifted partially or further tightened. The official said the final decision will be taken only after assessing the situationeven though the positivity rate was below 9%. Sources said the government was of the view that the State could not go on with the lockdown forever as it has had a big negative psychologically impact, especially on the youth while people in general were facing various difficulties.

Asenior health official remarked that since the overall situation was improving and surveillance, IEC activities and vaccination had been ramped up, more sectors could be allowed to function provided Covid protocols and SOPs were strictly adhered to. The official said if majority of the population were vaccinated in the next couple of months, then herd immunity would be achieved and could also impact in preventing the third wave of Covid-19.

He also pointed out that public were presently more aware and understood how to handle the pandemic and therefore, easing of more curbs should be announced.

At an interaction with media persons last week, chief secretary J Alam had stated that the peak of the second Covid wave had already passed. He however cautioned against the existing potential threat from the virus. Alam cautioned against complacency and strongly emphasised on vaccination.

He claimed that out of the 13 lakh target set for Nagaland, more than 4 lakh individuals have been vaccinated. He said the positive public response to vaccination has led to confidence that the target for vaccination in Nagaland would be achieved in the next three to four months.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/lockdown-may-continue-with-more-curbs-eased/235605.html