The move to set up testing labs at entry points gives a sense of seriousness in handling the mutant variant Delta Plus, but the crowding and chaos that is witnessed elsewhere brings in a eerie feeling of déjà vu and once again throws a huge question mark on the safety of citizens. On Saturday, there were two incidents in complete contrast, and each of these stood out as glaring cases of protocols recklessly being flouted.
On Saturday, the Margao railway station saw a massive rush of passengers alighting from trains creating a crowded market-like atmosphere and defeating the very purpose of the checks and balances put in place. Swab collection and testing may have returned to the railway station, but authorities failed to maintain order and social distancing, reminiscent of the ghastly first phase of Covid. The lessons from past experiences and failures haven’t been learnt, and authorities continue to tread dangerously on the same lines, knowing well that this could be a ticking Covid time bomb.
On the same day, at GMC, the felicitation of front line warriors saw hundreds of healthcare workers joining in breach of all protocols and in the presence of those who have been preaching rules. Top doctors, heads of departments, student doctors, paramedics and others were felicitated in blatant violation of social distancing, and momentarily it turned into an uncontrolled gathering.
Besides a small pep talk, front line workers were showered with flower bouquets this time, unlike the petal showers of May 2020. We don't understand these superficial gestures of appreciation which don't change the lives of healthcare workers or do any good to their well-being. Except for the fact that a memory is being etched in flowers, there is no other takeaway for front line warriors who have gallantly stood tall in these testing times and continue to do so. If there was a sense of reality somewhere, more than these flowers, and words of appreciation, there should have been better working conditions and rewards to boost their morale and motivate them. A sense of belonging can only come then, not through this outward show of gratification.
On another count, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made a categorical statement that the government will approach the High Court to allow fully vaccinated visitors into the State without subjecting them to a mandatory Covid test. A decision like this at this critical juncture, when the State is bracing for a more potent form of the virus and a third wave, sounds absurd because there is no credible medical evidence that those vaccinated cannot be carriers. There may be a general belief that vaccination may reduce the chances of spreading infections, but there is no proven data to back that, and in such a situation opting to open borders for those vaccinated could still be a risky proposition.
The government may have exuded confidence in preparing for the third wave, but the abuse of protocol appears to be an open invitation to the killer virus. Despite the pain inflicted on people during the second wave, lessons have not been learnt, and authorities continue to be complacent. We hope better sense prevails soon.
