Any unlock model sans accelerated vaccination will be useless: Experts

Nagpur: The five-level unlock model introduced by the ministry of disaster management for Maharashtra is trending all over. The unlock model has only 2 parameters — test positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds. However, there is no word about vaccination in this model. Doctors involved in Covid-19 treatment told TOI that no module of unlock will become successful unless vaccination is accelerated effectively.
“Vaccination is a must. We have to cover a large number of population at the earliest. Only this will bring the desired results of the proposed unlock. Otherwise, as soon as normal life resumes, new cases will also start,” said infectious disease specialist Dr Nitin Shinde, who has been treating Covid patients at Alexis Hospital.
“I support the unlock, but there must be a proper exit policy. There are many things which can be done at the public level and on government level. Even after reopening markets, we must continue with testing,” he added.
“I am a supporter of full unlock. I also liked the parameter of oxygen beds. Instead of partial unlock, we should go for full normal life. If people shun carelessness like the last time and follow protocol properly, we can bring life normal in Nagpur in next two weeks,” said pulmonologist Dr Rajesh Swarnkar, who heads Covid treatment at Getwell Hospital.
A senior member of Maharashtra State Covid Task Force, who was not willing to be named, told TOI that the five-level unlock policy was designed by the department of disaster management and it was not recommended by the task force.
“Doctors still believe that we should be careful while unlocking. Cases have gone down in cities, but still coming from rural areas. Unlock may result in mix-up of population and cases could increase. Still, the decision is to be made by chief minister,” said the member.
In rural areas, doctors are still sceptical about public behaviour. “Once we announce full unlock, people will start celebrating with community gatherings, marriage functions and religious fairs. Marriage season is still on. Agriculture season will begin now. Covid cases are still being reported from villages. We must think twice before unlocking them fully,” said Dr Maheshwar Tagare, who works in a PHC in Yavatmal district.