Comparing the Perils: Is Lockdown More Dangerous than COVID-19?

While the question of whether covid19 or lockdown is more dangerous carries much debate, the reality is that our reactions to these challenges often determine their perceived danger. Viktor Frankl, an survivor of concentration camps, vividly illustrates that it is not the external circumstances that define our fate but rather our response to them.

The Human Factor: Coping with Challenges

Historically, individuals who survived severe adversities often thrived through sheer determination and rational thinking. Meanwhile, those who succumbed to fear and fatalistic thinking tended to face their demise swiftly. This observation holds true not just in historical contexts but in more contemporary scenarios like the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Double-Edged Sword of Lockdown: A Resilience Test

Lockdown, as a measure to control the spread of covid19, certainly has its benefits. Yet, it has also exposed and highlighted weaknesses within the global order. In countries like India, the impact of lockdown on various sectors has been profound. Particularly, the industrial sectors have faced significant challenges due to poor safety standards and lack of essential maintenance.

A Perfect Storm: Industrial Safety in Lockdown

The safety of industrial workers has been a major concern during the lockdown period. Many industries operate with stringent safety measures, which often include regular maintenance and inspections. However, the prolonged lockdown period has disrupted these schedules, leading to increased safety risks. Lack of maintenance and overhauls during this period has meant that machinery and equipment are running without regular checks, which is dangerous. This could lead to a surge in industrial accidents in the upcoming months.

Long-Term Consequences: Accidents and Budget Cuts

Due to the economic losses incurred during the lockdown, companies have had to reduce their maintenance budgets. This has put undue pressure on line managers who are forced to further cut maintenance costs. The result is a potential increase in accidents and industrial incidents. Moreover, the burden of recovering these losses will likely result in even more accidents in the future, as companies are less likely to invest in safety measures.

Human Cost: Mental Health and Suicides

While the covid19 outbreak has claimed lives, the mental health impact of lockdown should not be ignored. Governmental restrictions and severe economic impacts have led to a rise in mental health issues, suicides, and other alarming statistics. In India, the effects of lockdown have been particularly pronounced, with many people losing not just their livelihoods but also their sense of purpose. This has amplified the mental health crisis, making lockdown a more deadly force than the virus itself for many individuals.

Real World Impact: Economic and Social Costs

The economic collapse and subsequent rise in poverty have made the situation even more dire. The compounding effect of job losses, financial instability, and restricted movement has put immense stress on families and communities. For some, the psychological toll of lockdown has been so devastating that it has led to tragic outcomes, such as suicides. In India, a healthy adult below 35 years old tragically died due to lockdown-related travel restrictions, highlighting the human cost of these measures.

Conclusion: A Call for Wisdom and Action

The experience of individuals across the globe suggests that the lockdown has indeed proved more dangerous than covid19 in many cases. While some measure of lockdown was necessary, the overuse of these measures has led to unintended consequences and negative outcomes. It is crucial that we adapt our strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure that future lockdowns are tempered with a more balanced and compassionate approach. We must remain vigilant and adapt policy based on the changing dynamics of the pandemic and its impacts.