ASSOCHAM urges state, UT governments to adopt BMC model to impose covid restrictions

Lockdown should be considered as a last resort in case of extreme strain on healthcare infrastructure : Mittal

The Voice of Chandigarh News:

The Northern Council of The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) today urged all northern state and UT governments to adopt the new model of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to impose restriction anticipating Third wave of Covid-19.

A formal representation has been sent to the state administration of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and UT administrations of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Chandigarh by Mr. A S Mittal, Chairman, ASSOCHAM North Regional Development Council.

As the possibility of a third wave of Covid-19 pandemic looms following an increase in corona virus cases, particularly those of the Omicron variant, ASSOCHAM suggested that partial or total lockdown for businesses of retail, tourism and hospitality should only be considered as a last resort in case of extreme strain on healthcare infrastructure as ensuring economic health and continuity of employment is as important as saving lives.

“The state governments should adopt a new model adopted by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of reporting which mentions the number of asymptomatic patients, number of hospitalisations, number of oxygenated beds occupied and number of discharged patients on a daily basis and make decisions about restricting economic activity basis hospitalizations rather than the positivity rate. This is an accurate measure of the situation as it gives a realistic picture and avoids panic among citizens,” said A S Mittal, Chairman, ASSOCHAM North Regional Development Council.

He also suggested the governments that Instead of locking down the economic activities, more emphasis should be given on strict adherence to covid appropriate behaviour such as masking, social distancing sanitisation by citizens and businesses alike.

ASSOCHAM also suggested that Work from Home should be encouraged wherever possible, Controlled entry and exit points following strict procedure for monitoring customers at shopping malls and outlets, When standing in the queue a minimum distance of 6 ft to be maintained and gathering of crowds is strictly prohibited.