Kerala has been termed as a hotspot for COVID-19 by the government. But with steady recovery and a decline in the number of cases, there is a likelihood of relaxation in the lockdown for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the state, according to an expert committee headed by former Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham.
Phased Withdrawal of Lockdown
The committee has recommended a phased relaxation of the lockdown from April 15, 2020. The phased withdrawal is supposed to occur in three phases and is sustainable only if there is a steady recovery and decline in the number of COVID-19 cases. This would initially lead to the flattening of the infection curve and then a gradual tapering of the curve to zero infection cases.
Preparedness for Resurgence
The Committee has advised the government to make people aware that in the event of resurgence, they should be ready and willing to undergo the rigors of a complete lockdown once again. This suggestion is to ensure that the people are prepared mentally to deal with the return of stringent measures, if required.
Health and Non-health Related Objectives
As part of the strategy to withdraw the lockdown, the committee has outlined certain health-related and non-health-related objectives. Although these objectives were not explicitly defined in the report, they are presumed to target the holistic management of the situation, taking into account the well-being of the population, healthcare facilities, and the economy at large.
Management of Hotspots and Vulnerable Populations
The Committee has proposed certain steps for the management of hotspots and vulnerable populations. It is crucial to protect those who are at a greater risk of the disease including the elderly, individuals with underlying health conditions, and people residing in densely populated regions.
Criteria for Phased Withdrawal
The Committee has established certain criteria for transitioning into the three phases of lockdown withdrawal. As a qualifying norm for Phase I relaxation, there should be not more than one new case in the district for the entire week prior to the date of review on April 14. Furthermore, there should be no increase of over 10% of people under home surveillance in the district. Most importantly, there should be no hotspots of COVID-19 anywhere in the district.
Source: The Hindu
News about phased relaxation and the criteria for the same were sourced from The Hindu news daily. This reliable source helps shed light on the thought process behind the phased unlocking and how it aims to balance public health with economic activity.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024