Is lockdown 'fatigue' to be blamed for the rise in cases?
Cities like Delhi, which once successfully turned the tide over in COVID-19 is grappling with infection spikes again. The same has been witnessed in other cities across India. Unlike what many believe, the worst might not just be over yet. This, despite the fact that India as a country is witnessing a depleting peak of COVID.
Our COVID-19 battle isn't over yet
Delhi is currently witnessing one of the deadliest spikes, in what is being termed as the third wave of COVID-19 infections. Hospitals are running at full capacity and the positivity rate for COVID testing is exploding as well.
While authorities are imposing strict measures to safeguard the community, there have been significant lapses on the part of the public as well. Delhi, which became a successful COVID fighting model is now an example for many of how simple mistakes, such as not wearing a mask, or crowding could turn fatal.
Why are COVID-19 cases rising in an alarming manner?
Factors like pollution, festival celebrations and cold temperatures are also making matters more problematic than before. In such a scenario, even simple mistakes like these can significantly contribute to a surge in cases. As people get complacent about the virus looming at large, many experts suggest that people might be suffering from a case of 'lockdown fatigue', which could be responsible for the spike.
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What is lockdown fatigue?
As many of us grapple with the profound effects of previous lockdowns and restrictions caused on our health and well-being, a resurgence of cases is also making many fear about the imposition of a similar lockdown again.
Lockdown fatigue or the different levels of fatigue people have been suffering ever since the first lockdown weighed down on them is making them lax in their measures and take COVID-19 lightly.
Similar stances have been observed in regions globally, such as parts of the UK, Germany and Europe, where COVID-19 cases are rising yet again.
Are people taking COVID-19 lightly?
This could also be the reason why a lot of people seem to be flouting social distancing and sanitation measures, making them vulnerable to the virus.
We explain three reasons as to why terrible lockdown fatigue may be setting in and contributing to an apparent rise in cases.
(Image used for representational purposes only)
Awareness about reinfection is not prevalent enough
Reinfection, even if rare can happen if people are complacent regarding COVID-19 precautions. Many people, who have already contracted COVID, or have been exposed to the virus are now roaming scot-free thinking that the virus can't infect them again. This is not true. Many are even taking the virus lightly, thinking that months on, it won't get to them. This is a bad approach which can spike up infection cases. Gaining immunity against COVID, in any way possible isn't a pass to mingle in the society and put your health at risk. While non-essential travel should still be avoided, social distancing should be practised, if one goes out.
People are pinning hopes on a vaccine rooting away COVID-19
We are in the middle of witnessing an unprecedented race against time in rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine. Efforts are underway to have an approved vaccine ready by December or January. While vaccines may protect and stop the spread of the virus to an extent, it is still not the best form of defence. Secondly, not all parts of the general public will get hands on a vaccine right away. As many have pointed out, it can take a year or two before a vaccine safeguards everyone. It may not even work for everyone. Hence, it would be wrong to completely rely on a vaccine roll-out and stop following base measures for our protection.
Behavioural patterns to blame?
Presence of super-spreaders and those who don't follow COVID norms are swelling up infection rates across regions.
A callous attitude, or a careless approach, dismissing the infection as a simple flu-like virus can also contribute to a rising surge in cases. People's behaviour and attitude to authoritarian norms were also likely the reason for the initial surge in cases months back. Studies have also pointed out that the people who flout norms, do not wear masks exhibit distinct personality traits which are antisocial in nature. Experts also believe that the lack of collective effort and education will hamper the working of a unified effort in fighting novel coronavirus pandemic.
Apart from poor social distancing and hygiene rules, experts also suggest that people's attitude, those who don’t take the infection seriously until or unless it affects someone in their support unit is also the reason why we are seeing a scary spike in cases. More effective norms, ground-level awareness and strict fines are the only way to make people listen and fight out the virus.
Are there lessons to be learnt here?
Our fight against novel coronavirus has to be a unified, community-driven effort and we haven't reached the time when we can take matters lightly. While lockdowns may not be a permanent solution, we must remember that many cities can still peak and experience COVID resurgence waves in the coming months. Hence, our guards must not go down.
Wearing a mask, avoiding non-essential travel, disinfecting and sanitizing frequently and practising social distancing still remain some of the most effective, and workable ways to resume a COVID-free life as soon as possible.