A group of Indian startup and investors have appealed to the government through a letter suggesting a few extra-precautionary steps to reduce the no. of possible coronavirus cases.
Close to 70 startup founders and investors that includes RedBus, Snapdeal, Slicepay, Unacademy and others have appreciated the initial efforts taken by the government at the same time referred to reports from Wuhan stating that the number of undiagnosed cases there could be 5-20X. If this is taken for discussion-sake, then the infected-yet-undetected number in India could be more than what it is thought to be.
The representing members of this group have called for stricter protocols and measures to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread undetected in the community. An action plan has been submitted to the government by the group of startup investors have written to the govt.
The action plan:
March 20-April 12: They suggested that under Section 144 across all major affected areas, businesses should work from home, stores, schools etc all should be shut down and public transport should run on a limited need basis.
April 13-May 17: Precautionary social distancing by lifting off Section 144 with precautions, as businesses work from home, but essential stores open up and selective schools/colleges etc open up.
May 18-May 31: Second round of Section 144, so that there is no second peak after initial restrictions.
June onwards: Open up everything with social distancing but monitor the situation and do the third lockdown if need be. (Courtesy: INC 42)
The group has also recommended that during such period, the government keeps the public informed, keep-up the supply chain for essentials and scale-up the number of testing centers.