A genome sequencing lab is the vital first step in this direction
CHIEF Minister Pramod Sawant has assured that the setting up of a genome sequencing facility at the virology laboratory of the Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim is on track and that it would become functional by the month-end. The new facility would help identify various variants of the coronavirus, including Delta and Delta plus, enabling the authorities to take appropriate preventive and curative measures. It would have been better if the state government had set up the laboratory earlier as it could have helped identify the variants of the virus. The government never explained why the setting up of the laboratory was delayed. Although COVID cases are on the decline in the state, setting up of a genome sequencing laboratory even at this stage would not be a waste of resources as the threat of a third wave looms large, apart from the risks from the several mutants of the virus, some identified, some yet to be identified.
The genome sequencing laboratory would not only help in identifying the different variants of the coronavirus but also other viruses in future and would be an asset in management of various diseases caused by viruses. It was perhaps the absence of a genome sequencing laboratory in the state that led to the Delta variant of the coronavirus causing a horrifying surge in the cases during the second wave. A recent official report said, of the 73 test reports received from NIV and National Centre for Cell Science, 64 were found infected by the Delta variant, while eight others were victims of the Kappa variant. Experts are of the opinion that availability of a facility in the state would have helped in prompt identification of the variants and taking preventive measures to control the havoc. With the threat of mutation of the virus and its potential to strike in different forms still looming, it is necessary that the authorities do not lower the guard or take chances and take all steps to prevent infection from surging again.
It is encouraging to note that the efforts made by the authorities in controlling the spread of the virus have paid dividends. However, there appear to be vulnerable areas that could lead to the spread of the virus. For instance, at markets, including that at Panaji, the entry and exit points are restricted, as a result of which people are forced to pass through limited access points causing crowding which could lead to people catching the virus as physical distances are mostly ignored. Besides, with limited business hours, people tend to visit shops in larger numbers to make purchases and tend to ignore the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. The shopkeepers do not insist on observance of restrictions. They ignore the violations by customers because they do not want their business to be affected. It is regrettable to note that many people are moving about in public places without wearing masks despite the fact that the coronavirus has not yet been defeated and has a potential to hit in a third wave.
Goa is slowly opening up business and social activities. Keeping this in view, people have to be cautious in availing the freedom from the restrictions earlier imposed by the government to control the pandemic. The eagerness to make the most from easing of restrictions and a casualness resulting from a sense that the virus is on the wane are likely to induce people to disobey the norms. That could be counterproductive. The enforcement officials cannot be present at all places to act against the violators, but it is distressing to note that even in markets and on major roads violations are common as there are no officials to act. It is sad to note that though COVID took many lives and infected several thousand Goans, the public has not learnt to be cautious. Only strict enforcement and voluntary public observance of the COVID norms could help in preventing another surge. The government and police authorities should go beyond blaming the people for their casualness and irresponsibility towards the observance of the norms of mask wearing and social distancing and start acting against it.