Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources;
4. The mutations in SARS-COV2 virus strains must be treated with utmost caution not with panic. Examine. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu , Indian Express
Why the question:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson placed London and its surrounding areas under lockdown after a mutation to the virus, believed to increase its transmissibility, was discovered. India also put in temporary travel ban with flights coming in from the U.K.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the latest mutations in the SARS-COV2 virus and to prepare response to deal with such mutations.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining the context with respect to mutations in the Covid-19 virus as seem in majorly in London and U.K.
Body:
Mention why there is concern over the new mutated strain as it is 70% more easily transmitted, highly contagious and possibility of new characteristics in the virus.
This could be a serious issue. However, it could be handled with proactive response and abundant caution. Also, mention that mutations are common in viruses and there have already been more than 20 mutations of SARS-COV2 but none of them concerning. Moreover, vaccine efficacy might not be affected by the mutations.
Mention how we need to continue the good practices of testing, tracing and isolating and safe practices of wearing masks and using sanitizers. Suspending travel from U.K was a proactive measure.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward that prevention and precaution are the way to go unless masses are vaccinated.
