What WHO Thinks about India’s Lockdown and its Relaxation?

David Nabarro, the Special Envoy at World Health Organization (WHO) showered praises on the Government of India for imposing Lockdown when there was a relatively small number of cases. “The move is a far-sighted one and is courageous. Early Lockdown ensured enough time to develop capacities at the local level and sorting out the hospitals,” he said.

When asked if the Lockdown can be relaxed after 21 days, Nabbarro says “It will depend on how well organized the basic community-level public health services and hospitals are. I do not make any recommendations as I do not know what is happening on the ground. The hospitals should not be overwhelmed”.

Speaking about the impact of Summer on COVID-19, he said, “We are waiting to see about it from India as you are going into Summer. We will see whether or not there is the same level of transmission or whether it is the same level of illness as in the colder climates”.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of cases in India stands at 3,374‬. Unofficial numbers say that the number will be more than 3700 if not more. A majority of the cases are related to the Nizamuddin Markaz event. We will see a further spike in the next one week, till all the Nizamuddin returnees and their contacts are traced, tested and treated.