The unnerving wrath of the deadly coronavirus has disintegrated the functioning of the entire world. Now, amidst the onset of a threatening economic slowdown, with unemployment numbers going through the roof, countries world over struggle to curb the spread of this deadly disease. India, especially, experiences a steady influx of cases by the day, as the number of dead and dying surge high. However, Bengaluru or India’s Garden City has, through significant efforts, managed to control the transmission of this disease. This is contrary although to Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, which account for over 40% of India’s cases.
How one may ask has Bengaluru consciously flattened the curve?
1.Contact tracking
Bengaluru’s most effective strategy yet, extensive contact tracing; or the testing of those who may have come in contact with an infected patient, have kept their numbers relatively low. The BBMP, Bengaluru’s administrative body, has constantly been quarantining and monitoring potential coronavirus patients while ensuring that the infection is not passed on further. The contact tracing ratio in Mumbai is 1:3, where on an average 3 people are tested for every positive case. However, Bengaluru’s ratio stands at 1:47, eradicating any possibility of the virus spreading out of proportion. In addition to the same, door-to-door surveys have been conducted in high-risk localities, thus maintaining strict surveillance.
2.Technology Implemented Solutions
Another thoughtful tactic employed by Bengaluru was the application of technology to detect and monitor patients. The development of applications such as the Corona Watch as well as the implementation of smart kiosks has played crucial roles in keeping numbers low.
3.Strict containment zones
Rigid containment policies, as well as rigorous lockdown measures, have proved successful for Bengaluru. With every newly reported case, localities have been sealed and 5 or more positive infections in some areas have to lead to the complete sealing of wards. Even though some actions, earlier, were met with criticism, the government didn’t hesitate in taking prompt action, without awaiting any official orders that would have in turn lead to irreversible damage.
Playing the above into action, the government also blocked off 50% of the city’s main roads, while deploying large police forces to aid the efforts of the medical system, struggling to combat the virus.
Yet, however hardcore the regulations may have been, the state government had the utmost faith in its people, that they, in turn, would do their part to ensure complete safety of themselves, thus keeping the virus at bay.
These strategies have indeed accelerated Bengaluru’s battle against COVID-19, however, in recent days cases have begun to escalate, indicating that every action plan must be tweaked, evolving according to the existing situation.
Although these tactics have played a major role in controlling the outbreak, the dire need at hand is to do our part, by staying safe, while adhering to the laws and regulation implemented by the government.
Writer: Reva Agarwal
29/06/2020
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