Second wave of COVID creates panicky situation across Barak Valley

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Crowds of functionaries, workers and supporters of different political parties who assembled at grounds to listen to their leaders without caring for COVID protocol are now witness to a sort of panicky situation due to gradual but steady rise in the number of afflicted persons across Barak Valley. The district administrations of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi are yet to overcome the strains and stresses of elections to address the problem and tackle it. The security agencies and apparatus too are overworked to help the administration.

The burden has now fallen on the Health Department to carry on awareness drive once again and caution the people in general of urban and rural areas. When asked if the second wave of COVID has really come, Dr Ibrahim Ali, District Surveillance Officer, Cachar, said, "Not yet. But if people do not follow COVID protocol like wearing mask, maintaining social distance and other guidelines as mandated, consequences will be bad." He added to say coming days will tell clearly about what shape the virus takes. Even after one gets vaccinated, he will have to adhere to the guidelines.

According to the Cachar district Health Department, as on April 7, there have been 2 positive cases while 20 are active. 18 are in home quarantine and 2 hospitalised. Total positive since the beginning of COVID 19 have touched the figure of 11530 and 38 counted for death. In the district of Karimganj as on April 6, total positive cases stood at 4200 and total positive death 33. The situation in Hailakandi district is no better either.

One redeeming feature that has emerged is the crowding of people before Civil Hospitals for vaccination. Perhaps, at last good sense has come to prevail. Dr Ibrahim Ali cautioned even after one gets vaccinated, one should follow strictly the protocol and that is the best safety. One need not panic, he advised. At Urban Health Centre, Silchar Medical College where vaccination is free, long queue of people was seen today. The crowd is increasing every day, according to hospital source.

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