speech on lockdown and social distancing as means of checking pandemics
Answers
Explanation:
It is true that in the absence of treatment, social distancing measures cannot continue forever to restrict the transmission. Lockdown is an extreme social distancing intervention available to break the chain of transmission and prevents spread of the disease. This does not destroy or kill the virus but is an important measure that flattens the peak of the epidemic, slows the growth of the epi-curve and provides time to the health and social systems to mount a response. Lockdown and social distancing, when supported with public health measures like case detection, contact tracing, isolation and management of cases, help in containing the disease effectively. At the same time, a countrywide lockdown has socio-economic implications, in addition to the health-related issues. Given the diversity of a country like India, it becomes essential to use this extreme strategy very judiciously.
As regards the frontrunner in solidarity trials, based on evidence from laboratory, animal and clinical studies, four treatment options were identified — Remdesivir; Lopinavir/Ritonavir; Lopinavir/Ritonavir with Interferon beta-1a; and Chloroquine/ Hydroxychloroquine, which are under consideration. International clinical trials have been started to assess their relative effectiveness against COVID-19. By enrolling patients in multiple countries, the solidarity trial aims to rapidly discover whether any of the drugs slows disease progression or improves survival. Further, seven candidate vaccines are at clinical evaluation stage, while 82 others are at preclinical evaluation stage, which include those developed by half a dozen Indian firms also.