On Tuesday, Director of Health Dr Ira Almeida announced that the third wave of Covid has set in from December 28, considering the sustained rise of positive cases. The question is, why is the State watching the wave growing on people without stepping in with restrictions? We have had a meeting of the expert committee followed by recommendations of the task force. Almost nine days after the onset of the third wave, there’s only talk of a night curfew being imposed and schools going online again.
Despite an exponential rise in cases, life has been going on in full swing in Goa. On Wednesday, the health card showed over a 1,000 positive cases. An alarming six more samples have tested positive for Omicron on Tuesday. The situation is getting worse every day. So, what are we waiting for? Is the government giving itself a few more days of full-fledged campaigning, knowing well that restrictions would hamper movement? Or it is that leaders have taken the health of citizens for granted?On the positive side, the Health Director has assured of a "graded response plan" being put in place this time. She explained that Covid casualty has started in both district hospitals, and admissions of Covid patients will be at the super-speciality block of Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim. There is a reassurance that recovery time is faster and even paracetamol could help those with symptoms. Another positive is that the rate of hospitalisation is low for now with most of the positive cases undergoing home isolation. The Wednesday health bulletin showed that only 13 new patients were hospitalised.
There might not be an alarm because the virus is mild, but there are reasons to worry because of faster transmission of the virus and for the sheer fact that a major section of Goans is facing comorbidities. The State should not allow the virus to overwhelm health infrastructure.
Sadly, the appeal made by the Head of Mortuary, South Goa District Hospital Dr Madhu Ghodkirekar to politicians and leaders not to put the lives of workers, karyakartas and the public at risk by holding large gatherings has fallen on deaf ears. On the very day, the Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate held a massive meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hopped on and off various events. The political class fails to be deterred by the situation at hand.
On the ground, there is a drastic swell in cases, and the fear is mounting while the assurances on preparedness appear hollow. CM has been consistently stating that the State is well prepared to meet the challenges of another wave. If we are prepared, why did the State not source the genome sequencing machines much earlier? Goa is currently sending its samples to Pune, leading to a crucial delay of 3-4 days. We have experienced such issues during the first phase when Covid testing was being done in other States. Why have lessons not been learnt? Why are compromises being made even at this stage?
