I have seen a lot of ‘hot takes’ from all the experts in our society so far. What I would like to know is that once we enter into a lockdown, how do the logistics work? Even if we do cash handouts for everyone in the country (impossible) where do they buy from in a lockdown? 1/n
How would you build the capacity to deal with the virus if you have a complete lockdown? All the staff busy in setting up field hospitals, quarantines, delivery of med supplies will be diverted to enforce curfew, deliver food+meds, deal with runaways +PPE for all staff. 2/n
Where will the supplies come from? Who will provide transport? Who will supply workmen? Who will administer the services? Where’s the budget? And all those who think that just because they stockpiled their fortress and now demand a lockdown, you’re sitting in glass houses. 3/n
I feel at this point, we as a nation cannot sustain a complete lockdown. It will take much more than 2 weeks. Read up on how long Wuhan was in lockdown. We don’t have a plan beyond 2 weeks if that happens. A 2 week lockdown is just a battle. What about the rest of the war? 4/n
Schools/Colleges - Closed
Malls - Closed
Parks - Closed
Cinemas - Closed
Banquet Halls - Closed
Restaurants - Closed
Inter city travel - Banned
Trains & Planes - Suspended
Social GTG - Banned
This is where we’re at. If we still find reasons to go out then what can be done? 5/n
Malls - Closed
Parks - Closed
Cinemas - Closed
Banquet Halls - Closed
Restaurants - Closed
Inter city travel - Banned
Trains & Planes - Suspended
Social GTG - Banned
This is where we’re at. If we still find reasons to go out then what can be done? 5/n
We need to be more responsible as individuals. The logic that we as a nation are not and hence it’s the govt’s responsibility has no logic. Which country has all its ppl acting rationally? There’s a reason this is being called a collective exercise of the resolve of a nation. 6/n
There’s room for improvement with our enforcement. We need to close mosques & congregation NOW. The obsession that we are the only flag bearers of Islam is misplaced. Our religion puts emphasis on the importance of saving a life. Read on what it says about endangering one. 7/n
If we have to lockdown, we should lockdown on a more micro level in places where there’s a confirmation of local spread. Use AI and data analytics which our journos wanted to make fun of. Use gps, trace contacts, lockdown on a UC level/district level. In clusters. 8/n
It is easier to trace contacts, provide supplies, enforce curfew and provide all logistical support including food and meds when clusters are identified and isolated. And then again, this is an ever evolving situation. It will change with every passing sec, min, hour, day. 9/n
No one has ruled out a complete lockdown either. If the situation reaches a stage where it’s inevitable, it will happen. And when it happens, we should be ready for what a complete lockdown means and what it’s implications will mean. 10/n
This is a time for the nation to come together if we are to survive this. Criticizing and playing politics will only get us as far as the next crisis, be it in the form of shortages or the next mortality. Your wishes and wants will not mean a new govt taking charge tomorrow. 11/n
Give charity as much as you can. Don’t wait for Ramzan. Start today. Pay in advance to individuals dependent on you for a livelihood. Don’t lay off or fire people. Now is not the time. Please don’t spread panic and paranoia. Don’t hoard. Don’t stockpile to deprive others. 12/n
And most importantly, 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 verify news. Don’t spread fake news. It could be the defining difference for the lives of the few or the many. Pray and hope we get through this as a nation. And remember, wash hands regularly, social distancing and self isolation. Good luck. 13/13
