Date: Sept 17; 2020; Fresh cases: 97,894.
That was the peak during the first wave in India. Since then, the numbers had been coming down.
It came down to as low as 9,121 fresh cases on February 16. Everyone was too optimistic, rather than being careful.
That re-started the ascend. Back to 2020. But more severe.
Today, India crossed the 100-thousand mark, for the first time -- 103,558.
One of the states - Maharashtra, of which India's financial hub Mumbai is the capital - has more than 50% of the cases.
STILL NO DAY-TIME LOCKDOWN
What's more disconcerting is that this time around, there is no day-time lockdown in any part of the country. What is the point in imposing lockdown in the evening or night when anyway most people are at home?
Also, there is no strict enforcement of the regulations the government has announced - like ensuring social distancing at public places.
I remember during the first wave, state government health officials patrolled the streets and ensured that businesses adhered to restrictions. Nothing of that sort now.
SCIENCE TAKES A BACK SEAT
During the first round, last year, science seemed to dictate the course of government actions. Now, during the second wave, it's business and political considerations.
Not that economy should be ignored. But there are better ways of treading a careful middle path so that both business and health can be taken care of.
Sadly, the way the pandemic is being managed now doesn't bode well.
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