ICMR Head: Most of India should be under lockdown for 6-8 weeks
ECONOMY & POLICY

ICMR Head: Most of India should be under lockdown for 6-8 weeks

Head of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, told the media that lockdown restrictions should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection of the ones tested is 10%.

Indian Health Agency head, responding to the second wave of Covid-19, said districts recording a high number of cases should remain locked down for another six to eight weeks to control the spread of the rampaging disease.

Three-fourths of India's 718 districts, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, have recorded a test-positivity rate above 10%. Bhargava's comments are the first time a senior government official has outlined how long lockdowns need to continue in large parts of the country to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The centre is not planning to impose a nationwide lockdown because of the economic impact and has left the decision to the state governments. Several states have suggested different levels of restraints of economic activity and public movement, to stop the spread of the virus, which are being analysed, and extended for a week or two.

Bhargava stated that the high positivity districts should remain closed. If they come to 5% from 10% (positivity rate), they can open it, but that has to happen first which would not be able to happen in six to eight weeks.

He also said that a meeting of the National Task Force on Covid-19, on April 15, had proposed to the government to lock down areas with a 10% positivity rate or higher. However, in a televised speech on April 20, Modi said a lockdown should be considered as a "last resort" and the focus should remain on "micro containment zones".

On April 26, more than 10 days after the task force meeting, India's home (interior) ministry addressed the states, urging them to implement strict actions for large containment areas in hard-hit districts, but only for two weeks.

Image Source


Head of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, told the media that lockdown restrictions should remain in place in all districts where the rate of infection of the ones tested is 10%. Indian Health Agency head, responding to the second wave of Covid-19, said districts recording a high number of cases should remain locked down for another six to eight weeks to control the spread of the rampaging disease. Three-fourths of India's 718 districts, including major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, have recorded a test-positivity rate above 10%. Bhargava's comments are the first time a senior government official has outlined how long lockdowns need to continue in large parts of the country to stop the spread of Covid-19. The centre is not planning to impose a nationwide lockdown because of the economic impact and has left the decision to the state governments. Several states have suggested different levels of restraints of economic activity and public movement, to stop the spread of the virus, which are being analysed, and extended for a week or two. Bhargava stated that the high positivity districts should remain closed. If they come to 5% from 10% (positivity rate), they can open it, but that has to happen first which would not be able to happen in six to eight weeks. He also said that a meeting of the National Task Force on Covid-19, on April 15, had proposed to the government to lock down areas with a 10% positivity rate or higher. However, in a televised speech on April 20, Modi said a lockdown should be considered as a last resort and the focus should remain on micro containment zones. On April 26, more than 10 days after the task force meeting, India's home (interior) ministry addressed the states, urging them to implement strict actions for large containment areas in hard-hit districts, but only for two weeks. Image Source

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Larsen & Toubro Secures Contract from Defence Ministry

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has awarded a significant contract to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supplying K9 Vajra-T Artillery Platforms to the Indian Army. As per the company's project classification, the contract is valued between Rs 50 billion and Rs 100 billion. The K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery platform, is an adaptation of the globally renowned South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It has been co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace to meet the Indian Army's specific operational needs across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and..

Next Story
Real Estate

Delhi-NCR Housing Market sees 25% Sales Growth

The Delhi-NCR property market has maintained its momentum during the December quarter, with housing sales and new supply estimated to grow by 25 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively, as reported by PropEquity. Data from the real estate analytics firm suggests that housing sales in Delhi-NCR are likely to rise to 12,915 units during the October-December period of this year, compared to 10,354 units in the corresponding period of the previous year. New supply in the region is expected to increase significantly, reaching 11,223 units, a 59 per cent rise from 7,072 units in the year-ago quarter..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DDC Approves Five Key Projects Under Kasaragod Development Package

The District Development Committee (DDC) has approved a budget of Rs 100.08 million for five key projects under the Kasaragod Development Package. This funding is part of the Rs 700 million allocated in the State budget for the 2024-25 financial year, with administrative approval formally amended to incorporate these initiatives. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by District Collector K. Inbasekar on Saturday, December 21. The approved projects include Rs 40.99 million for constructing Udayapuram Thungal Road in Kottom Belur grama panchayat and Rs 20.56 million for setting up a ..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000