We are at a critical stage in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and cannot afford to make any mistake that might further aggravate the situation. But there remain amongst us some insensitive people who appear to draw perverse pleasure from violating government directives about compliance with Covid guidelines. Reports of violation of Covid protocol keep appearing in the local media with alarming regularity. A recent report cited the case of a mason who despite having tested positive for the virus decided to go ahead with his marriage, which was stopped in time by the police. The man, who appeared to be in an unseemly hurry to tie the knot, had made arrangements for the ceremony regardless of a warning from the administration. It is such people who turn into ‘super-spreaders’, what with scant regard for the lives of others.
This is not an isolated case. Police, in fact, have been conducting raids against violators of Covid guidelines and making seizures in different parts of the state. While unauthorized social functions have been stopped in several areas, thousands of people have also been fined for not wearing masks and stepping out of their houses during the lockdown without any valid reasons. The fact of the matter is that some people are in the habit of not obeying the law and they end up not only putting their own lives, but also that of others, at risk.
Such habitual offenders ought to be punished in the larger interest of society. Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik is completely justified in asking the police to come down heavily on such violators. The crackdown is beginning to yield results in most of the areas with not only the number of violations but also Covid-positive cases coming down. Since most experts have warned that the month of May is going to be crucial in the fight against the virus, the tightening of restrictions during the month is completely justified and we all should fall in line in our own interest.
We must realize that the Chief Minister who has been hailed by experts for his excellent handling of the pandemic, has been working overtime to ensure that the situation remains under control. He is keen to bring down the number of positive cases as well as deaths. It is because of his efforts that the situation in Odisha is still far better than most other states of the country. We are not only ahead of others in terms of health infrastructure, which has been sufficiently upgraded in view of the pandemic, we also have adequate stocks of medical oxygen to meet our needs. We have even been supplying this life-saving gas to other states facing a shortage. All this has been possible because of the good work done by the five-time Chief Minister and his great team. We should not let them down at this crucial juncture by making silly mistakes.
Equally importantly, we should cooperate fully with the government in its efforts to protect the state from the threat of cyclone Yaas. Acting on the express instructions of the Chief Minister, special relief commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena yesterday visited Balasore and Bhadrak, the two districts likely to bear the brunt of the gale, and reviewed preparations to ensure the safety and security of people.
However, there have been reports from some coastal districts about the reluctance of a section of people to move to cyclone shelters as they fear contracting the coronavirus. They must realize that such misgivings are completely unfounded as the administration is taking utmost care not only to ensure the compliance of Covid protocol in these shelters but also testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic people. For their own sake and safety, they should cooperate with the administration and follow all timely instructions before it is too late.
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