With the outbreak of the COVID-19 and the increase in the number of people being tested positive, the Central and State Governments of India are attempting their best to prevent any further spread of the pandemic. Along with declaring a nationwide lockdown, they have also issued various regulations for the public. They are trying their best to gear up their medical facilities to treat as many people as they can.
Amidst these, the Rajasthan Government recently took up a new method to contain contamination. It made a strict approach in following the lockdown and implemented the Triple-T method, which was made mandatory in the Bhilwara district. This proved to be effective, and a total of 32 Lakh people were tested within the district. As reported by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, no new case was reported even after five days from the screening. Thus, looking at the success of the Triple-T method, the procedure was adopted by the entire State and “more than five crore people have been tested” while around 400 people have been cured by 8th April 2020 as reported by The Hindu news.
What is the triple-T method?
The Triple-T method consists of three processes, which are testing, tracing and treatment:
- Testing- The primary step under this method is to check people and see if the virus contaminates them or not. This also involves identifying areas which have had more cases, especially the areas declared as hotspots by the Government. Government is taking various initiatives to provide equipment that shall be available to test a large number of people at the same time.
- Tracing- The following step involves tracing those people who have been tested positive. This means looking into where all they have been, what people they came in contact with and ensuring that they are staying in isolation. The police play a significant role here by tracking the movements of the affected persons and ensuring that they comply with the rules strictly. They are also provided with the phone numbers of people who are tested positive.
- Treatment- The last step involves providing effective treatment to those who are affected. Along with giving medical assistance, it also involves isolation of the positive person and quarantining those who are suspected to be contaminated by the virus.
Critical analysis
As the Coronavirus took over the globe, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued various preventive measures and emphasised upon the importance of testing, tracing and isolating new cases in multiple countries to contain further contamination. South Korea and Germany were among the first to take up successful mass screening which helped them to contain the spread of the virus to a great extent.
Subsequently, India is trying its level best to boost its medical services and equipment to test and treat the people. In some places, it has effectively tested, traced and treated people, while it’s still intent on reaching out to others in different parts of the territory. Various State Governments are coming up with their models much similar to the triple-T method to cater to the needs and wants of their people under different trying circumstances.
In Delhi, just like the Triple-T plan, the Government has formed a five-T plan which incorporates testing, tracing, treatment, tracking and teamwork. It is also claiming to treat around 30,000 positive COVID-19 patients at the same time. In the five-T plan, special emphasis has been laid down on teamwork which is essential on the part of the Government as well as the people. Cooperation and obedience to the regulations are one of the critical factors to contain contamination.
According to the statistics, a total of 10,541 cases have been reported in India as on 14th April 2020, out of which 1,205 have recovered. Total tests conducted by India till now are 206,212.
Thus as seen and reported, the triple-T method is proving out to be very effective in ensuring that the virus is contained before it reaches out to more people. Those tested are being taken for treatment and are being traced to ensure and confirm that they stay in self-quarantine to avoid any sought of contact with others. People who are closely related to such persons are also asked to stay in quarantine. Random tests are being held at areas declared as hotspots to see no more cases emerge. Along with intensive testing, complete sanitise of the area and nearby surroundings are being carried out.
Pros and cons of the triple-T
One of the pros of this method is that it ensures that no more people are contaminated by the virus. Tracing and treatment of the people tested positive ensures that they come in contact with none. Thus, the method is one of the most effective measures to contain the spread of the virus. Its effectiveness can be proven by its success in various countries and Indian states like Rajasthan.
However, there are a few cons associated with the implementation of the said method. Since India has a large population and a limited number of resources, it becomes difficult to test and treat all. Thus, active participation of individuals, government officers and medical experts are required. However, these people are susceptible to danger, and in many cases, it has been seen that the Doctors become carriers of the virus. Therefore, people who implement this method are under the risk of getting contaminated. While we have a limited number of doctors, nurses and volunteers, we can not afford to lose more.
Therefore, the most significant cons or concern associated with this method is that it requires a large number of medical equipment as well as doctors and volunteers for its implementation.
Other methods of fighting the COVID-19
Recently, the Government has declared many places as hotspots and sealed many of these as a preventive measure. These areas are being sanitised, cleaned and supervised by the authorities. The Government has also extended the lockdown to 17th May 2020, keeping in mind the progress it has to contain the virus from spreading and is yet to come with various other measures deemed fit. Some measures are applicable nationwide, while some are area specific.
While the Government is trying its best to come up with various methods to fight the Coronavirus and cure its people, it becomes the duty of the people to cooperate. One among the best preventive measures the people can take is to follow the lockdown, stay at home and not go out unless there is an emergency or urgent need. One should avoid crowded places as much as possible and stay away from people who sneeze or cough. If going out, one must wear a mask and not forget to sanitise oneself before entering the house. Maintaining social distancing is also very important, be it at home or outside.
If someone is aware of any positive case of CVID-19, be it at home, society or community, then they must encourage such a person to go for treatment. Just in case the person refuses, it should be reported to the authorities in due time. Special care should be taken of children, old and those who are suffering from serious diseases like respiratory problems. Washing hands frequently for 20 seconds, maintaining personal hygiene and sanitisation and keeping the surroundings clean is another measure all should take.
People should not panic and have faith in the Government, the workers and each other. Pondering upon fake news is a waste of time and creates nothing but fear. Thus, one must only follow what is being said by authorities and doctors. To address any query on the Coronavirus, the Government of India has launched the Arogya Setu app. It contains verified information regarding the simplest and best practices along with relevant advisories to fight the Coronavirus. The app also notifies the user if they have come near the proximities of an infected person. It also has various helpline numbers of healthcare centres in different states. Thus, the app ensures the safety of the public and makes them aware of the risks.
The Government must also ensure the safety of the workers who are testing, tracking and treating all. It must train and impart knowledge to such members. Since the policemen and security guards have a vital role in seeing that the rules are being followed, they should also be trained to tackle medical emergencies. Lastly, the Government should also implement relevant social welfare schemes and provide financial aid for the benefit of all.
Conclusion:
Methods like the triple-T have proved to be quite effective in various places and thus, are being adopted by many State Governments of India. While these are being implemented, there seems to be plenty of pressure on the medical staff and experts to reach out to all. The important factor of prevention as tested is to trace and treat cases in time. Thus, while the Government and the authorities are trying its best, cooperation from people and compliance of regulations is the need of the hour.
Staying united and fighting together during this great hour of distress is incredibly important. While the police, doctors, nurses and other workers are putting themselves in peril to save others, the least we can contribute is to keep ourselves and our community safe.
