Problem Statement:
Given that at the time of writing this, no cure has been developed for COVID-19 and a suitable vaccine still in development, this note analyses whether lockdown of business (Complete or Partial) might have been the best way to handle the crisis. While we are always wise in hindsight, given that we are still living through the pain inflicted by COVID, the key points, this note is deliberating are still relevant.
India being a consumption driven economy, strict curbing of business activity will only have an undesirable effect on the people and the economy. Suspension of economic activity will only push the BPL, Marginal income earners, small businesses and people employed in the unorganized sector, further into the nadir. This note deliberates on a “selective lock down” approach which aims to strike a balance between resumption of economic activity and maintaining public health.
Key Points:
Following are some of the selective lockdown measures which can fuel the economy forward without contributing to the spread of the disease
Conclusion:
While no viable cure has been found yet and the verdict still out on herd Immunity. The Government and administrators are faced with a truly challenging problem to deal with. In this scenario, neither of the complete shut down or no restriction would be a viable option. A selective lockdown approach on easing restrictions with focus on public health and sustainable economic revival is the order of the day.
Expanding the rate on which the tests are conducted and allowing asymptomatic citizens to go about their normal life and isolating the sick and vulnerable people would be a better approach. Also with sufficient worldwide data available on the pandemic spread trends, the experience of other countries which have implemented selective lockdown measures needs to be studied and adopted.