As we all know, Covid-19 arrived on our shores and appeared as the biggest dystopian threat our generation has ever faced. Not only the unprecedented scenario has thrown life out of balance with travel bans, lockdowns, and eventually curfew enforced by the respective Indian state governments, but our fiscal, medical, administrative capabilities are stretched to the hilt. While the most significant element in avoiding local transmission of the virus is the engagement of people with the right knowledge and precautions, yet the impact of Covid-19 on individuals and society can't be ignored. While India is struggling to rid itself of Covid-19's stranglehold, its impact is noticeable in several forms like physical, mental and economical.
Physical Impact -
As the spread of Covid-19 takes place in phases, through imposing travel restrictions, the government has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus from imploding in society by community dissemination which is analogous to the third level. The closing down of schools and colleges and the postponement of both academic and competitive examination was the first step the government initiated to frisk children out of the path of injury, and to sensitize parents by creating awareness about the disease and retain children indoors. The measure was taken to ensure children who have a relatively weaker immune system can be protected from Covid-19.
Other steps introduced to curb the spread of the virus include stringent adherence to medical surveillance at international airports to detect and isolate any Covid-19 infected inbound traveler and closure of all popular tourist destinations.
Subsequently, the government's restrictive measures involve lockdowns in 75 districts accompanied by the full lockdown of vulnerable states until March 31, which is rational and may be expanded further depending on the emerging conditions. The lockdown was followed by a curfew in several states, such as Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttrakhand, etc., and the imposition of the epidemic act on mischievous elements violating the administrative actions.
The complete shutdown of public transportation, minimal attendance of public servants in government departments and rigid compliance to travel restrictions were initiatives intended to scuttle the transmission of the virus in the community.
The government's action has brought the country to a standstill, with a significant section of people are confined indoors.
Mental -
As social isolation becomes necessary to mitigate the transmission of the virus, confinement of a large population in their respective homes can become extremely stressful for few. There is a great deal of panic, irritability, paranoia, and stress that builds up due to a lack of information or misinformation. The mass hysteria created by media and unsolicited advice and assumptions through social media further create anxiety, confusion, and stress among people making them behave irrationally like stockpiling of essentials. The mental health of children should be closely monitored as they are not only vulnerable but also most threatened under such circumstances.
"Medical studies analyzed have shown that more than 20 percent of the people quarantined during SARS epidemic registered feelings of anxiety, while 18 percent claimed they felt worried, 18 percent sad and 10 percent guilty. Some reported post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms."
When a large section of the population is debarred from attending social recreational activities in addition to self-isolation or quarantine guidelines, such restrictions may have immediate and probably long-term mental health impacts. In such challenging times when outdoor social interaction is limited sticking together as a family and participating in creative activities not only strengthens family bonds but also is an effective method to deal with mental stress.
Economic Impact -
The global economic impact of Covid-19 is catastrophic with a bloodbath in equity and commodity markets wiping out investor's wealth across continents. With quarantines and lockdowns in China have crippled supply chains across the world and across industries, India isn't insulated from the economic meltdown either. The severe shortage of essential components and raw materials have exposed the vulnerabilities of the manufacturing sector thoroughly dependent on China. From electronics to pharmaceutical and electrical to automobile the embattled industrial sector is battered and sulking in uncharted territory.
The MSME ( Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy is passing through the toughest phase. It provides employment to 18 crore people while contributing significantly to the growth and India's GDP($1,183 billion). With the economic recession looming, these MSMEs who were already reeling from the paucity of funds due to NBFC credit crises are facing double whammy one of the dwindling demand scenarios and raw material supply and are unlikely to recover unless immediate fiscal stimulus is provided by the government.
With travel regulations in a place bustling restaurants, markets, sprawling malls bore deserted look leading to job losses at a rapid pace. Health emergency leading to restrictions is stifling the economy and is turning into a financial crisis in India.
Rating agency Moody's has slashed its 2020 growth projection for India to 5.4% from 6.6% forecast earlier on the back of slower recovery, citing largely domestic factors and cautioning that global economy will be adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
