Nagpur: Welcoming the five levels fixed by the state government to determine the level of relaxations and restrictions for each district, doctors in the city said though only time will tell how effective the measures were, meeting these criteria indicates the severity of disease has reduced and the spread has been successfully contained.
Some of them also warned that there could be a spurt in cases in areas still untouched by the virus.
On the other hand, some of them said the falling positivity rate and fewer admissions indicate we are close to herd immunity.
Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed, a medical microbiologist, said less than 25% O2 bed occupancy means severity of disease is less.
“Similarly, the test positivity rate going down shows were are doing sufficient number of tests and have managed to keep the spread under check,” he said.
Terming unlockdown as necessary, Dr Ahmed said we can’t wait forever for the disease to be eradicated.
“Health of people is important but economic activities are also necessary.
Many may die not because of the disease but due to poverty if the lockdown is not lifted,” he said, adding that the Covid appropriate behaviour must be followed.
Chest physician Dr Vinit Niranjane said though the concept is scientific, the unlocking is too premature and too early.
“Our positivity is below 5% which qualifies the district to restart everything.
I feel weekly markets and social gatherings must not be allowed as of now.
Another wave is not expected so soon but the cases will start rising again.
We saw how those testing positive had history of attending marriages or other functions,” he said.
Critical care specialist Dr Imran Noor Mohammad said there is no certainty if these parameters are perfect or not.
“If the infection has to spread, it will.
Also, there is no guarantee people will necessarily follow norms.
Only time will tell if these measures are going to be effective,” he said.
“As per our experience, we are close to herd immunity.
In between, such spurts will keep coming.
Areas which have not reported large number of infections will remain vulnerable.
Yet, unless a major mutation takes place, there are less chances of resurgence.
Hence, whether unlock or lockdown, we must keep following physical distancing, wear mask and use sanitizer,” he said.
Urologist Dr Sadashiv Bhole said, “We can’t remain in lockdown forever.
I think it is a good idea to differentiate districts as per certain paraments.
Cases are really low while the economy is suffering badly.
Now, it is the responsibility of society to keep the postivity rate down and help each other return to normal life.
We need to take more precautions,” he said.