Microbiologists urge PM to impose ‘Janata Curfew’ for at least 14 days
   Date :24-Mar-2020

Dr Arvind Deshmukh_1 
 Dr Arvind Deshmukh
 
By Ajay Mardikar :
 
The Microbiologists Society of India (MSI) has appealed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose Janata Curfew for at least 14 days to control the spread of coronavirus. As no alternative is available for controlling the spread of the dreaded virus, the measure has been suggested. The incubation period of the virus is of 14 days. Janta Curfew for 14 or 15 days can help in controlling the spread totally.
 
Only those hospitalised for treatment will be the affected persons. Talking to The Hitavada, President of the Society, Dr Arvind Deshmukh compared the situation. In the first case if curfew is imposed for 4 or 15 days, people will remained confined at their respective homes. The community spread will be controlled. Only those under home quarantine will have to take care for health of their own family members. In the second case thousands of cases will be suffering from the virus, if the curfew is not imposed. The situation like Italy or even more serious could be experienced in the country, looking at the population here. The after-effects of the spread will be experienced at least for one or two years, even if some measures to control the spread are undertaken.
 
Besides the field of medicine, social issues are also being discussed. Those earning their bread on daily basis, may face serious problems. However, measures to handle this problem can be worked by the society itself, instead of facing the very serious health problem, Dr Deshmukh said. The scientists are on the verge of finding effective treatment to the problem. But unless the spread is controlled, treatment will be difficult in limited facilities available in the country.
 
The US President has announced that the vaccine has been found. But it may take time to make it available in India. Dr Deshmukh, however, is hopeful that the people will understand the seriousness of the issue and the scientists would soon find the medicine. Dr Deshmukh is a retired professor in Microbiology from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, and now settled in Pune.