Covid-19: Beware of the exuberance wave

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Lockdown fatigue is prompting thousands to pack their bags and rush to tourist destinations. Tired of remaining indoors, many are seeking a few days of refuge in the cooler climes of the mountains. In normal times, it would have triggered envy in most of us. But at a time when the second wave is ebbing only due to strict restrictive measures enforced by most states, pictures of hill stations teeming with tourists and serpentine queues of cars along the approach roads can only cause deep concern.

Make no mistake, India is still in the grip of the second wave. The number of fatalities and daily infections might have come down but to be sure all the reductions have taken place only because of the mobility restrictions. If people start crowding again, the waves could lash back with a vengeance.

The point to remember is that vaccinations have only just begun and there is a long long way to go before a substantial section of the population is effectively shielded against the virus. Experts are cautioning against new variants and are constantly alerting us against a possible third wave that could especially target children. Adding to the concern, WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has said that the pandemic isn’t slowing down and has listed social mixing among one of the four reasons behind it. So far about 5% of the country’s 135 crore population have been administered both doses of the vaccine.

Responsible consumption and adherence to Covid protocols are the only way forward to secure revival of the economy as well as preserving our health. Irresponsible exuberance can only reignite the second wave. The rush towards tourist destinations might turn out to be a rush towards our graves. Desist from irrational exuberance.