Unlock 1.0: Mission Begin Again

A pandemic such as Covid-19 also challenges the processes involved in decision-making and their prioritizing in a democracy, like India.

After two months of nationwide lockdown enforced due to novel coronavirus, the Ministry of Health Affairs on May 30 issued an order to frame the period between June 1 and June 30 as Lockdown 5.0, also referred to as “Unlock 1.0”. With the announcement of a three-phase 'unlock' plan, economic and social activity is set to resume all over the country. Governments and citizens need to be prepared for a surge.

India is now the seventh most affected country in the world. The only silver lining is that India’s fatality rate at less than 3% is among the lowest of the severely affected countries, which means that while the infection is spreading, it is not leading to as many deaths as elsewhere. While this is a health advantage India must sustain and build on, the situation is worrying.

In 2019-2020, which only took into account seven days of the lockdown, India’s GDP grew only at 4.2%. The lockdown has crippled economic activity. There is now an emerging consensus that the economy will, in this fiscal year, contract. This will make businesses unviable, increase unemployment, slash purchasing power, reduce demand, and possibly push millions back into poverty. The humanitarian crisis with the exodus of migrant workers is the most symbolic manifestation of the economic situation. Both science and economics dictate India should open up. However, as it does, there will be more cases

Unison Institute, the best coaching centre in Pinjore urges every citizen to exercise great care when they step out, maintain social distancing norms, wear masks, and avoid all unnecessary activities. Remember that Unlock 1.0 is not freedom from the disease. Prepare for a difficult month ahead.