September 25 in the calendar is a date nothing extraordinary. But for the national Covid calendar, it’s ‘special’ as it marks the completion of exactly 6 months since the Phase I of national lockdown was rolled out. The period has been epochal to say the least, almost entirely due to heart-wrenching factors that hit the national life like an endless series of avalanches. Defining these six months in brief will be difficult as besides proving a colossal public health challenge, it has ravaged the already infirm economy pushing it into a negative growth zone. The sinking feeling is everywhere, but overlapping all, it’s the state of utter confusion over the virus that has been the dogged tormentor. If asked where exactly the nation stands now and how the coming days are going to be, the possible answer from a most-knowledgeable person will surely be a conservative one. Such is the wayward behavioral pattern of coronavirus and Delhi will throw brighter lights for an explanation. A month and a half ago when a rapid drop of cases there was read as the virus’s final exit journey, it took a 180 degree turn in no time and returned with a bang for a second wave. It will also be inexplicable why when most parts of the country in the initial months were grappling with the pandemic, Arunachal remained unaffected and why the opposite is happening now when the national daily caseloads are seemingly declining. It will be futile in attempting to crack the puzzle and it’s better to pray for the vaccine’s early arrival.

The current national figures have apparently got elements to usher some hope as for the sixth day in a row total daily recoveries have stayed above the number of new infections. However, the question of how long this 'hope' will remain will keep chasing. Arunachal, particularly the ICR has entered a phase which is more critical than before as on Thursday the highest single-day spike of 289 cases was recorded, pushing the total to cross the 8000+ mark. For any citizen of the state while the figures will be frightening no doubt, it is also a reality to accept that such phases are unavoidable in the long fight against the pandemic. The state’s health apparatus, with its limited resources and capacities is trying to deliver the maximum and it’s now time for the citizens to reciprocate more than before and that is only possible through sticking religiously to the basics. Besides observing all personal safety measures, apathy to voluntary testing must end at once.

 

‘Autopsy’ of the first 6 months of Covid-19 in the country will disclose little except for the element of total bewilderment. The vaccine is the only route to escape.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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