Curfew success no room for complacence

Curfew success no room for complacence

Welcome dress rehearsal for lockdown.

The success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ call for a “janta curfew”, a self-imposed 14-hour home quarantine, demonstrates the resolve and restraint of the people of the country to come together and do their bit to tackle this global pandemic. But a day of restraint is not enough. It is now incumbent on the people across the country to maintain their resolve to continue to observe a high level of restraint, practice social distancing, and safe hygiene practices to help slowdown the spread of the pandemic Covid-19.

The most important achievement of the janta curfew is that it brought together 130 crore and more people living in this country virtually together with the common purpose of impeding the spread of the virus. Beyond the morale booster and appreciation for those on the frontlines, the janta curfew provided people with a sense of what a lockdown would be like. In doing so, it reinforced the urgent need to practice social distancing and personal hygiene to stave off the wider spread or phase 3 of the pandemic. It also gave the authorities a chance to assess and identify where they need to buttress systems should a lockdown be required.

The janta curfew was a moment to appreciate those in the frontlines of the war against Covid-19, especially the healthcare professionals. It is also a moment for the country to take a bow for having thus far succeeded in limiting the spread of the virus — 341 cases, 23 cured and discharged and 5 deaths. More than anything else, India has demonstrated that it has the capacity to act, despite its large population, high levels of poverty, lack of education, a relatively weak and uneven healthcare system and poor sanitation. It has done so without clamping down on people’s rights. The world can learn from India.