Exploring the Effectiveness of Lockdown and Disaster Preparedness in Combating COVID 19 Pandemic in India

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' is the till now available effective remedy for novel Coronavirus. India is the first nation compared to other countries affected by COVID-19 to enforce a 'Nationwide Lockdown' at the earliest. METHODS: Google mobility data and Disaster Preparedness metrics were analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of Lockdown as a social distancing intervention. RESULTS: Results showed that in India, Lockdown is a useful measure in flattening the epidemic curve. Second, Odisha's disaster preparedness is more efficient in containing and combating COVID 19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Further, a brief analysis of the travel histories showed that the period of coming in contact with the virus and being tested is quite long, thus increasing the chances of spreading the virus through contact with others. We suggest, instead of fourteen days of quarantine, thirty five to forty days of quarantine would be more effective in combating the spread.