June 1 saw the lockdown rules and regulations relax for the first time since the ‘Janta Curfew’ on March 22. The time to stay out has been increased from 5 am to 9 pm. The offices are to remain open. The ‘Unlock’ has allowed the restaurants, malls to open from June 8.
Though the lockdown has resulted in slowing down the pace of spread of coronavirus, the curve continues to rise. India is about to touch the 2 lakh-mark as 8,171 new coronavirus cases comes out today. In the past 24 hours, India has reported 204 deaths. India now ranks number seven in the world; above France and below Italy.
Now that the lockdown has been relaxed, the responsibility of containing its spread rest in in the hands of the citizens. The precautionary measures each of us take will contribute towards curbing the pandemic.
Wearing masks or covering our faces every time we leave the safe spaces of our house, washing our hands, carrying a sanitizer, keeping distance, avoiding social gatherings, following government guidelines and most importantly, taking care of our mental and physical health.
Unlocking the curfew is a privilege and therefore, should not be taken for granted. For once, if we are unable to stop the spread and the curve keeps rising, it is just the matter of time that the country will be sent into lockdown again. That wave of lockdown will be more powerful and is expected to stay longer than one can imagine or bear.
With all the economic loss that the country is going through due to the shutdown of businesses. Unemployment rose from 6.7% to 29% and GDP fell to 3.1% from 6.1% the previous year. If the lockdown extends the country is expected to suffer a loss of $250 billion output loss.
All said and done, the graduating batch of 2020 would really appreciate the support and so will everyone involved in the business and the labourers who are daily wage workers and are struggling to make ends meet.
Do your bit and stay home. Take precautions and prevent the spread of the pandemic.
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