As the cases of corona positives are increasing, with its huge population, the country is slowly shifting to be the next epicenter of the Covied19 pandemic.
The problem with India is its population density – 3 times that of China and twice that of Italy. This is why quarantine measures such as shutting down the whole country fail without massive testing.
Given the density, the coronavirus will have a worse effect on the Indian population, given the density. Right now India seems to focus on Quarantine measures to slow down the number of cases enough to prevent hospitals from getting overwhelmed.
Also, according to data, the rate of cases increasing in the country is alarming. There were 50 cases in the 1st week, followed by 114 cases the next week.
As for the fatality rate, there are around 1192 positive cases with around 24 deaths counting for 2.4% fatality rate.
Mike Ryan, WHO emergency program director, said, “India is a hugely populous country. The future of this pandemic will be determined by what happens to densely-populated countries. India must take aggressive action at the public health level, and at the level of society to control, and suppress this disease,”
Italy’s Response to Coronavirus
Well, within a very short period the country has been hit nothing short of a tsunami with so many deaths. It is clearly their biggest crisis since the Second World War
The country’s response was also to be blamed for this major mishap.
The Italian healthcare system is extremely decentralized, so different regions tried different policies.
For example, the two main neighboring regions with similar socioeconomic profiles, Lombardy and Veneto had two different effects.
Lombardy is one of Europe’s wealthiest and productive areas. As of March 26, it held the grim record of nearly 35,000 novel coronavirus cases and 5,000 deaths in a population of 10 million.
Veneto, on the other hand, had 7,000 cases and 287 deaths in a population of 5 million.
These two results of similar socio-economic places say a lot about their approaches.
While Lombardy with its densely populated area lacked the control, Veneto took a more proactive step in eradicating the virus.
Veneto did:
- Extensive testing on both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases quickly.
- A strong home diagnosis approach to maintain isolation.
- Active tracing in positive cases.
- Health workers were checked regularly and monitored their health.
What form of approach India is taking?
India, surprisingly opted for more harsh lockdown methods following China to fight against the pandemic.
It also makes sense as the country is far more densely populated than Italy.
China, the original epicenter of coronavirus, implemented the harshest form of lockdown in Wuhan after nearly 30 deaths had occurred. And due to this, the country managed to bring down the cases to nearly single digits.
Similar to China, India also approached a full-scale lockdown only after 10 deaths at its much earlier stage.
The time of enforcement of lockdown is extremely crucial in dealing with the pandemic. The sooner the lockdown begins, the lesser the number of deaths, it is that simple.
Financial Times reported that China implemented its lockdown after 30 deaths, Italy after 800 deaths, the UK after 335 deaths, Spain after 200 deaths, and France after 175 deaths. Comparing these with our data, India is trying its best with early measures for sure.
Measures taken by India
Apart from lockdowns borders have been closed along with cancelation of domestic flights and trains have been ensured by the government.
30 states are under lockdown with the harshest curfew imposed in Delhi and Maharashtra. In Punjab and Chandigarh, a curfew has been imposed to ensure people stay indoors.
India Inc. is helping the government during this time. FMCG companies have slashed prices of sanitizers, soaps, and even food.
Market leader Hindustan Unilever (HUL), too, announced a rate reduction of 15% on its Lifebuoy soaps and sanitizers, and Domex floor cleaners.
Godrej has decided to cut down their sanitizer price from Rs75 (less than $1) to Rs25.
Along with this, ITC has reduced the price of a 55 ml pack of Savlon from Rs77 to Rs25.
Even banks have been collaborating to help the country in need.
India’s largest lender, the State Bank of India (SBI) said that it will allocate 0.25% of its annual profit for 2019-20 to fight the coronavirus outbreak in India.
However, there have been a few problems regarding the scarcity of equipment that the government is trying to restock heavily.
What do you think about the efforts put by the country to fight against coronavirus pandemic? Tell us at Skyram Technologies.
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Till then, don’t forget to follow the WHO guidelines to protect yourself and your family. Stay indoors, stay safe!
