IDENTIFICATION AND ISOLATION

Despite commendable efforts by the state and central governments Covid19 infection is considerably mounting in India. The state of Kerala too is not an exception. Though the number was less in the early stage it is increasing day by day in Kerala. At current pace the state may come in par with other highly infected states shortly. Since there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to cure the deadly disease,  the whole world is doing experiments with the pandemic to stay alive. Masks, sanitization, personal distancing etc are more recognised methods. Before the pandemic is mounting further another experiment is suggested here.

Select one highest affected Taluk of each district of Kerala.  After giving two days notice, declare a total lock down for two weeks for these taluks. Arrange to test the entire population of the taluk in shortest possible time. Shift the infected to the hospital immediately. While no one will be allowed to go out or come in to the taluk, in any exclusive situation those coming in should be tested before allowing entry. After the declared period a group of health officials can decide whether the lock down is to be extended for another period. On completion of the lock down it may be examined whether the taluk is free from Covid19. If became free, find how many days it took and how much money was to be spent for this. If this could done without any flaw Covid19 can be eradicated from the state within a given period of time.

If the taluk has become free from Covid19 within the set period, can we not apply the same process for other taluks too in one, two or three stages. It is a significant factor  that in Kerala more than fifty percent cases, it could be detected after death that Covid was the cause. Lack of test was the prime reason for this.

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com