The global pandemic attack of Coronavirus COVID-19 has affected almost 343,450 with a death toll of 14,910 and recovered cases being 99,068, as of date. The country wise data reported reveals that new cases in China have drastically decreased but the Italy has already seen the worst by death topping the list of the world by 4032 cases. The countries on rise on the epidemic hit are USA, S. Korea, Austria, Australia, Pakistan, Thailand, India and Philippines,  with everyday increase in new cases.

In country like India, with population of 1,369 millions, there are more deaths due to Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory, nutritional diseases, accidents, domestic abuse, riots and human created problems, but all of a sudden outbreak of this contagious coronavirus and the speed with which it has seen a spread in all over the world, has boggled our minds and thinking. China could partially control the speed with tremendous effort, facilities and awareness, having a density of 148 people per sq. km, what will the situation in India with population as huge as China and population density of an average of 420 per sq. km, which is 21000 per sq. km in Mumbai stand alone. The impact of super contagious disease in India is scary and unimaginable.

The situation of public transport in India is vulnerable, our public buses, taxis, metros and railways, there is sometimes no space to breathe, I fear that the situation in India will be spine chilling. The road jams are highest in the world, the authorities are keeping the testing at minimum possible so as to keep the healthcare cost low and above all to prevent panic but this is a facade, a smokey screen, a false presentation of the threatening situation.

India is undoubtedly facing difficulties due to inadequate healthcare funding and insufficient medical care. On tacit values, India has illiterate people and also educated but ignorant people. Officials have started taking measures, schools colleges have been closed down, restaurants and public places have been isolated, work from home has been initiated, but that is not enough. PM’s call for isolation for one day, with clapping and thali rumpling is just another fulfillment of personal agenda. Yet, we  support the little effort done in this direction will make huge difference, probably the PM knows better how to tackle the illiterate and ignorant, blindfolded people.

A simple humble urge in this direction is to stay away from everything, self-educate, self-isolate, be afraid of the situation and take solid step to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

*The writer is Associate Professor in College of Economics Management and Information systems,  University of Nizwa, Oman.

(Views expressed in the above are of the author)