LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vaccine Research Needs To Be Fast-Tracked

What was feared the most may have already taken place? It is understood that the Corona virus, first reported in China in December 2019 has mutated into 10 different types over the past four months and one of them namely ‘A2a’ has nearly replaced all the others to become dominant across geographical regions according to a global study by an Indian research institute. This is probably one of the reasons why the Corona virus has survived in both cold and hot climates. It is understood that the dominant mutated virus is highly efficient in entering human lung cells in large numbers and is very efficient in transmission. This explains the reason behind the prevalence of the disease across all regions. The original strain is said to be type ‘O’ which originated in China. This study by National Institute of Genomics in Bengal is crucial as it provides vaccine manufacturers with a specific target. It is understood that more than 80 medical research institutions across the globe, including India, are in the process of finding a vaccine for the corona virus. Only a vaccine can save humanity from the pandemic. Hence the research needs to be fast-tracked to prevent more deaths from the disease.

ADELMO FERNANDES, VASCO

Mmc Must Reconsider Tendering Works

We are in the midst of a lockdown, which has left thousands craving for wages and food. Behind MMC building in Margao, one would see every day, dozens of migrant men looking for work and these are certainly stuck in Goa, without being able to go back home. Apparently, many of them have been lodged in a sports ground in Navelim. They would be happy if they could get some work and eventually some income. We are almost on the eve of monsoons, and these people could be gainfully employed in clearing our storm drains, particularly at this time, when the traffic has considerably reduced. The work would have been faster and without much hindrance. Though the work seems to have started with the regular MMC workers, many more need to be engaged to finish the work on time. The MMC, as usual, wants to tender the works. This will not only result in delays but will also raise suspicions about the cuts and quality of work, as it generally happens. The shadow council in Margao has rightly proposed that the work be allotted to these idle migrants/labourers, which would, in a way also help them in earning some income, instead of the MMC trying to carry out their regular activities and obliging some of their regular favourites.

JOSE MARIA MIRANDA, MARGAO

Install Kiosks With Free Mask Dispensers

In 1986-87 when global epidemic  HIV/AIDS first case came to light in Goa, the Sexually Transmitted Disease, – STD controlled programme at the directorate of health services coordinated all its programme with an AIDS cell being created at the directorate, financed by funds from the Union health ministry, government of India,  which finally decided to install free condoms dispensing machines at various public places such as bus stands, railway stations, airports, movie theatres, government/private  and educational  auditoriums, public toilets, higher educational institutions etc in order to prevent the dreaded STD from spreading. When our state now in the year 2020 is facing the challenge of preventing  the global pandemic of the fatal Corona virus disease from spreading,  which the infection may continue to persist for a long period, and wearing a mask is made compulsory by the government, it is of utmost importance to set up a permanent Covid-19  cell  and kiosks at the directorate of health services with flying squads all over Goa to monitor the same as well as to test, trace and track which should finally culminate into installing free mask dispensing machines and incinerators at important public places. The corporates under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) schemes may be invited by the health department to install kiosks with free mask dispensers and their incinerators along with free distribution of sanitizers. Thus it is of utmost importance now in order to ensure good health and safety of everyone of all ages  in Goa, the compulsory wearing of masks to cover the nose and mouth is adhered to by all its citizens (especially the sizeable poor migrant population) that the Goa government seeks financial aid and technical knowhow from the Centre so as to install free public machines to dispense masks  as well as incinerators to dispose used masks to prevent contamination and creation of additional non biodegradable garbage.

RUI FERREIRA, PANJIM