Just when India was starting to go easy over the coronavirus, the number of active Covid-19 cases is once again starting to rise. The rise is a cause of concern for everyone, especially the government as well as people of Arunachal. The total number of new cases reported per day is increasing day by day. The spike in the national numbers comes as five states – Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh – are reporting increased daily numbers.
The rise in the number of cases, especially in Maharashtra, Kerala and Punjab, is a matter of serious concern for Arunachal. Large numbers of students from the state are pursuing further studies in these states. Besides students, patients, especially those suffering from cancer, regularly visit the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai for treatment. The state government should restart strict quarantine measures for the people arriving from these three states. It is a well-known fact that adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour is critical to break the chain of transmission and contain the novel coronavirus. Therefore, the social distancing norms and wearing of masks should be made compulsory. Fines should be imposed on those breaking the rules. The state government should immediately conduct a review meeting in the wake of rising cases of Covid-19. Before it is too late, they need to address the concern.