As on March 8, 2020, the World Health Organisation has confirmed that worldwide the number of those afflicted with COVID-19 has exceeded 100,000. Over 4,000 people have died, while a more cheering, and not-often quoted statistic is that 64,000 people have actually survived it. In India the numbers are small – just around 40 or so infected, while in Chennai it remains reassuringly in single digits. It is claimed that warm or hot weather, something that we are blessed with, inhibits the spread of the virus. Chennai may therefore not be vulnerable. On such theories we rest. But this is still a good opportunity to reflect on whether we are capable as a city to handle such pandemics.
The WHO communique reminded “all countries and communities that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities.
China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions, such as working across society to identify people who are sick, bringing them to care, following up on contacts, preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers.”
Are we doing this? Thus far Chennai has kept a tight watch on the airport – most cases have been identified here. The immigration has a not-very-impressive arrangement with a couple of people keenly watching those coming in. This may not be effective. Body scanners have not been utilised on all days and the process, when manually done, is quite slow. The airport is managing to the extent it can and hospitals and health centres have been instructed to report all suspicious cases for further investigation. That is to the good. But what about railway stations and bus terminals? There is no monitoring of any kind there. While COVID-19 may not warrant such precautions at least right now, can such entrepots become screening points in case such a situation is warranted in future? It boggles the mind to even contemplate people being screened at suburban railway stations, leave alone the Central and Egmore but that is what will be demanded in case there is a pandemic.
Next, what about spreading awareness on hygiene? True, the Centre’s Department of Health has issued a directive that all cell phone calls be preceded with a message on this subject but it is presently in English, which many people may not even be aware of. Secondly, it asks people to call a Delhi number for clarifications which most people will not do. Messages in Tamil is the need of the hour and this can be safely entrusted to the health department of the Corporation of Chennai and also the State’s Health Department. People need to be educated that surgical masks are not the best remedy and maintaining clean hands are far more important. This the administration has not even begun communicating. Taken overall, while a Government need not spread panic, it can at least be proactive. Of course, we can take comfort in the fact that no other State of India appears to be geared up also but then are we not supposed to be the leaders in healthcare? It is best to quote again from the WHO’s communique on what is expected
–
“Allowing uncontrolled spread should not be a choice of any government, as it will harm not only the citizens of that country but affect other countries as well.
We must stop, contain, control, delay and reduce the impact of this virus at every opportunity. Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system.”
This applies not only to entire countries but to constituent States and cities. Chennai needs to realise its responsibility. Where are the centres to which we need to report if infected? Are they capable of handling a sharp rise in cases – something that we have seen in other cities and countries?
Lastly, can we please stop dithering on policy? The latest announcements have asked for closure of malls and theatres in border districts. This excludes Chennai, which in case the authorities did not notice, is a border district and probably has more theatres and malls than all the other districts put together.
Let us also not forget that we pride ourselves in being the medicare capital of India. What if we bungle this?
Dear Sir,
Wonderful post. Hot climate may spare Tamilnadu the calamity. But why so many causalities in Italy? IT people serving in Western Europe have to be very carefully screened. There are quite a few IT firms with Italian connections at Chennai and Bangalore. (2) How can we explain the high incidence in Kerala, which is equally hot and humid? (3) The poorer sections of society , especially in North Madras, R.K.Nagar , mostly live in congested, dusty , cramped, poorly ventilated and crowded houses and are very susceptible to respiratory problems, excessive sweating, sneezing, chest cold, cough, and mild fever. The Govt must arrange for mobile monitoring a, testing and ambulance service especially in such areas, as also in Thiruvellore. Police vans can move through all such crowded places and announce through loud speakers, preventive measures in thamizh. They can distribute pamphlet in simple thamizh about the dangers.
I have not come across any item even in newspapers, about the early symptoms of this viral attack.
You are the only person who has reassuringly informed that out of 1 ,00,000 cases, 60,000 have recovered.
Keep up the good work Sir. Thank you.
Difficult for any state or country to stop the spread of such an easily contagious virus once it has reared its ugly head in a demonic dance. In a heavily populated and dense (in most cities) country such as India, even more difficult and our healthcare when put to this kind of test, may be stretched to say the least. Such healthcare is difficult to increase manifold in a short time and is an environment where, in India, the system has its own challenges and limitations, as also varying levels of effectiveness.
Hence, prevention as they say is better than cure. That starts with saying ‘no’ to ‘exotic’ meats and eating just about anything. Spare the wild animals – do not see it as human food or fancy collectibles. Do not hunt, trap, kill, traffic or sell such wild animals and bring stringent laws, with even more stringent enforcement as it can bring the human race to a standstill, if not to its knees, from what we see now. Promote vegetarianism and that has many benefits to planet earth, as cattle rearing for meat produces most green house gases, consumes enormous pasture or cultivable land (for cattle feed) and water. That is a choice which humans can make for their own good.
Last but not the least, who is going to bell the cat which leapt out of the bag with the novel Corona virus – China. They remain quiet after causing enormous grief to the world and piling a huge economic bill to the world. Will they and other countries such as Far East Asian countries, stop their wet markets where ‘exotic wild animals’ are routinely stored in miserable conditions ?