At a time when citizens of the state are being routinely appealed never to loosen the mandated protective firewalls for thwarting the still unstoppable Covid-19 pandemic, the news that 13 youths have tested positive on Wednesday with 49 more testing positive on Thursday after attending a night-long revelry in Aalo township will stand out as an extreme example of irresponsibility. Expectedly, this has escalated fear and panic among the denizens there and is least wanted now when cases are on the rise across the state and the districts too are staring at an ICR-like situation. While there will be differences of opinions as to whose fault it is--administration or the lads, straightaway, it must be said that both are equally responsible. It is a very critical situation now, and there is no respite from the fight, both for the country and Arunachal. There are several instances that can be cited when the rays of hope that emanated as a result of reduction of daily additions were instantly wiped out by the dark clouds of unprecedented spike and deaths. For how long this state of unpredictability will continue is the question that has no answer so far as the medical world is still in a struggling mode to decode the exact contagious pattern of the virus. This is particularly why there is now much focus on the chances of revisit of the virus in areas that have been certified as ‘safe’.

Analysing the behavioural pattern of the citizens of the country during unlock phases irrespective of state boundaries, a striking observation must not have escaped attention. A good number of people have conveniently interpreted that unlock actually means unlocking of the regimented lifestyle they have been compelled to stick to during the lockdown days. That they are meant only for recommencing the halted economic activities have been forgotten, at least by a sizeable number of the population. This has resulted in careless attitude in terms of safety protocols such as social distancing, personal hygiene and so on. The ICR deputy commissioner while deliberating on Unlock 4.0 Guidelines divulged that there will be substantial penalties for violation of SOPs. This was necessary, but, unless the denizens themselves aid the administration with responsible attitude, it will be impossible to attain the final goal--which is to contain the pandemic’s spread totally. First, it has been the apathy for testing among a large number of citizens that has caused concern and now it’s an instance of utter carelessness.

The Aalo incident should serve as an eye opener for the rest of the state. Any instance of lowering the guard, however trifle it apparently appears, will bring serious trouble. Until a vaccine comes, it must be taken note by all. 

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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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