E-learning needs a review
The coronavirus pandemic has had its greatest toll on the education system. Devoid of a physical classroom, the average Indian student is now learning to cope with a virtual classroom.
However, an initiative like e-learning has its own challenges. The disadvantaged sections of society, who have little or no access to technology, are left out of the system.
The Union government in collaboration with various State governments would do well to review the system of e-learning, so that all sections of society get equal access to online education.
Anish Esteves, Mumbai
Test all entering Goa
The manner in which Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been merrily oscillating on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), it seems he has lost his way in leading the State in its battle against that vicious coronavirus. The SOP has been tweaked for the 7th time in the last two months, which exposes the government’s lack of proper application of mind.
Over the last two months the infrastructure had to be put in place to deal with the pandemic. It is incumbent that every person entering Goa must be mandatorily tested unless he produces a negative COVID certificate issued by an ICMR recognised lab.
Now with the surge in cases over the last week and with the COVID hospital filled up to the brim the government seems to be in a quandary while it is unprepared to deal with the current crisis due to its sheer apathy. Right now the health and well being of Goans has to be the one and only priority.
Mining, malls, economy etc can wait as if health is lost all is lost.
There is a need for Sawant to act and speak very responsibly. The BJP needs to look beyond the party in this combat against the virus.
It is good that the opposition in Goa has united. Amongst the current 40 MLAs in the given circumstances Digambar Kamat is the most experienced, active, mature and very practical, whose input and guidance the government should gracefully avail in this time of crisis.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
COVID-19 warriors versus innocent COVID-19 promoters
When the government relaxed the lockdown, many completely forgot that our pandemic enemy, COVID-19 was still around the corner waiting to attack and rushed out on the streets.
The bigger issue is these irresponsible individuals don’t care for the frontline warriors, especially the medical staff who have put their life on line to treat the infected.
The top administrative executives are praying and begging to these medical personnel to hold on to their nerves, adjust while awaiting the shortfall of PPE, beds, ICU or ventilators, etc, risking to their life on the whole. Do these irresponsible individuals know how stressed are the families of these frontline warriors, specially the doctors and nurses who do not have any time to catch up with families physically or on phone, friends and social life?
How about the sincere and hard work during their academic life to become a doctor or nurse or any warriors who proudly celebrated when they accomplished, not having any clue that they will have to stand against a serious pandemic virus called COVID-19 that has killed 4 lakh people globally and they could be the next victim.
Please respect those who are fighting for you in the war against COVID-19 or any life threatening issues. In other words, please do not become a COVID-19 promoter against these COVID-19 warriors.
Let us respect them as our own to win this pandemic challenge.
Gaston Dias, Sarzora
Unlock SOP needed
Goa unlocked on 8/6 much against ‘run of play’ – increasing positive cases not only in the country but right here in the State. Thankfully – if only for now – crowds avoided the malls, restaurants, gaddas etc. Hopefully, this was out of personal disagreement to the unlocking at this stage. Reports describing the poor turnout used terms like ‘unusually, eerie’. Perhaps they should have used ‘intelligently’ empty.
A popular café was reported to have opened with waiters wearing masks, gloves and caps with one customer per table. This is positive from the proprietor: but should not there be a uniform and informed SOP? Sanitising customers’ hands on entry and exit will go a long way. What is the use of gloves? They cannot be washed frequently. They will not only get contaminated with the virus – if around – but being dirty and unable to clean, will spread the same.
Only one person must handle cash and periodically sanitise his hands. Under these circumstances, hand sanitisers are best, with periodic soap and water cleaning – sanitisers do not work if hands are dirty. Proper sanitisers that have glycerine added protect the skin from dryness.
Hand lotions can also be used for further protection. Hand cleaning requires 20 seconds – keep in mind that in 30 seconds, alcohol totally evaporates. In 20 seconds, 2/3 evaporate. Hence, sanitisers made with WHO standards only can work.
R Fernandes, Margao
Good decision from SC
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court asked States on Tuesday that migrant workers should be identified and sent to their hometowns within 15 days and all cases registered against them due to allegedly violating coronavirus lockdown orders, should be withdrawn.
It also asked the States and the Centre to specify schemes for employment of migrant workers after the lockdown. It is a highly commendable decision taken by the Supreme Court. Migrants have suffered a lot. Some even still suffering from so many difficulties and troubles since the nationwide lockdown was imposed in India.
Thousands of them still have been seen wandering out of their hometowns without jobs. So every State government must ensure to reach them to their home States as soon as possible and to ensure to get rid of unemployment as the SC has directed.
B Ahsanullh, New Delhi
Precautions in restaurants
After being under total lockdown for over two months, restaurants in the state opened on Monday.
However the opening was subdued due to scarce customers and shortage of staff. Given the sudden spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state, people could be circumspect about eating out or even having a cup of tea in the eateries.
Certain steps could make the customer feel safe and confident while visiting a restaurant. It is obvious that customers have to remove the face mask while having their meals and other eatables in a restaurant. People will be engaged in talking to one another across the table.
This can spread the virus if, God forbid, there is a person in the restaurant who has tested positive for the virus. Restricting one person to a table may not always be possible since people could be coming in groups or a family could be dining together. It is observed that several restaurants across the country have put up temporary glass partitions on each table which separates customers from one another.
Use of a fan or an air-conditioner in the restaurant may not be advisable as the weather is quite pleasant. The draft of air that is produced by the fan/air-conditioner can spread the virus, if present, to vast areas.
Sanitizers must be provided to customers as they enter the restaurant. Customers should avoid using the wash-basin.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco