Opinion
Veena travelled from Seattle USA to Delhi via Tokyo. Here is her report on Indian Govt efforts to contain Coronavirus
“Hello, friends,
I feel like sharing a pleasant experience with you all regarding the seriousness of our Govt in containing the Coronavirus spread in India.
I traveled from the USA (Seattle) to New Delhi via Tokyo in the last week of Feb 2020 and was screened for the virus by a team of docs at the IGI International Airport. That day only flights from Japan, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, and Hongkong were being screened.
All good so far. I collected baggage and came back home. 3 days of terrible jet lag kept me indoors.
On the 4th day, a Sunday, I had the most unexpected visit from a team of 5 persons from RML hospital and the Airport Authority, and they had all my flight details with them. They asked me if I am feeling well. They said they were here to contain the spreading of the Coronavirus. I was confused and said that I am perfectly ok and that I was screened at the airport too!
They said that though all was well with the passengers of our flight, there was a flight from Italy that very time, which was not screened for the disease and we all probably collected baggage at the same time. So, just to rule out any infections, they are advising all the passengers, who were in that area that day, to go into self-quarantine (till the 15 days after landing). Unbelievable! Govt officials, working on a holiday to reach out to each one personally, is simply unheard of till now! They left some phone numbers to be reached in case I feel unwell.
My self-quarantine will be over in another 2 days. I have not stepped out of my place and am proud of having done my bit to help the Govt contain the spread of the disease.
I am sharing this because it is very easy to criticize and abuse Govt. I feel it is very important to appreciate and give credit where it is due! Thanks to the vigil and concerned Govt, tireless officials, doctors, and the airport staff…they all are doing their job with the utmost honesty !!!
Well done!
Veena”