Friday, March 18, 2022

Preparing for the Inevitable Surge

The New York Times reported that:

“China is grappling with its largest surge of Covid-19 infections since the coronavirus first emerged more than two years ago in central China. Sustained outbreaks in two-thirds of the country’s provinces are proving the toughest test yet of China’s zero-tolerance coronavirus policy.”

This is truly worrisome – this means that even after two years one can never be too certain about the virus. It is not yet clear if it is the Omicron or some brand new variant that is sweeping the country of some 1.4 billion.

The variants of Corona virus since it was first reported on 31st December, 2019

It should now be clear to us what we must do: continue the implementation of the cautious easing of the lockdowns that is already under way – but side-by-side, prepare for an eventuality of an even more overwhelming surge in new cases in the community – anytime and without any warnings.

As I keep saying, the pandemic situation will improve only once the Bhutanese people start to be responsible and disciplined – a possibility that is an impossibility. The Kuensel’s front-page image of crowding that had happened day-before-yesterday in Mongar is proof that we will never ever act responsibly. The people mindlessly risked their lives and those of others - for the possibility of saving about Nu.300.00 in reduced petrol/diesel prices.

The most recent record of new COVID-19 cases in Bhutan. As of 16th March, 2022, 17 of Bhutan's 20 Dzongkhags have recorded COVID-19 cases, Lhuentse Dzongkhag being the latest to join the Club, with 17 positive cases. As of today Gasa, Tashigang and Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhags are free of COVID-19

The government must go with the reality that we will soon be overwhelmed as a result of the easing of the lockdowns. That is as sure as night and day. I had already given my views a long time back – that the most critical preparatory work we must embark on are two:

TRAIN ADDITIONAL HEALTH WORKERS

I can imagine how over-worked and stressed the health workers must be – the lapses that had happened in recent times could be the result of tired and worn out health workers having to work long and stressful hours. Thus we need to train additional casual health workers – so that the workload on the health workers is reduced. This will ensure that professional health workers are available for routine medical cases at the hospitals, which must be on the rise - brought on by the pandemic related difficulties.

PREPARE FOR ADEQUATE QUARANTINE/ISOLATION FACILITIES

Prepare and be ready with sufficient quarantine/isolation facilities to accommodate the positive cases. First stop: schools spread across the country. When the time comes, they could be used as isolation/quarantine accommodations. Schools have the structures in place – the government need not spend on building new facilities. There is only one problem – the toilets. Based on my personal experience during my time with the Rotary, toilets in 90% of the schools are dysfunctional or are in dilapidated condition. Thus the government should consider investing in doing up the toilets (repairing the existing ones) and additionally install more toilets - so that the children have better and working toilets – at the same time they are ready – should the schools need to be used as quarantine/isolation facilities.

I am not supporting lockdowns – but you can be sure that it is coming. If 3/4th of Chinese provinces can be overwhelmed after having remained calm and controlled for two years, there is no reason why this cannot happen in Bhutan – particularly given that we are willing to throw all care to the winds – for the prospect of saving Nu.300.00 or so. I understand that day-before-yesterday some vehicle owners at Motithang fuel station were fined – for being on the road without an e-Pass and for breaching COVID-19 Protocol.

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