STRATEGY FOR LIFTING CURBS

Biomedical companies can upscale the manufacturing of kits under the supervision of, and quality certification by ICMR

Systematic, well-designed, and widespread antibody testing of individuals, and certifying those who are antibody positive as exempted from lockdown Testing can be initiated in foci of selected geography, and centrifugally expanded In communities already tested, it must be repeated periodically, say at intervals of 2-3 weeks, tested with a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or IGM antibody test, they will remain undetected and not be counted as infected.

The mainstay of my strategy is systematic, well-designed, and widespread antibody testing of individuals, and certifying those who are antibody positive as exempted from lockdown. This is one form of “calibration.”

Testing can be initiated in foci of selected geography, and centrifugally expanded. The field methodology can be designed by the responsible empowered group. This exercise can be continuous and ongoing. In communities already tested, it must be repeated periodically, say at intervals of 2-3 weeks, targeting those who were previously antibody-negative. Antibody-positive persons are the newly recruited workforce in rebuilding economic activities. All data must be captured, stored, and made available to the concerned authorities of local and state governments.

A registry of antibody-positargeting those who were previously antibody-negative All data must be captured, stored, and made available to the concerned authorities of local and state governments A registry of antibody-positive healthy adults who are willing to be plasma donors must also be established

The policy of universal mask-use must be mandated as soon as possible. If the Union government delays action, state governments must take leadership

THE EXPERIENCE EVERYWHERE IS THAT A LARGE PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WITH INFECTION HAVE NO ILLNESS OR ONLY VERY MILD SYMPTOMS

tive healthy adults who are willing to be plasma donors must also be established along with antibody testing. Their plasma is an additional therapeutic item in the health care armamentarium for treating those at risk of severe illness with Covid-19. Medical experts can develop the criteria f or selecting such patients. The empowered group concerned with health care can design the modus operandi from A to Z, without delay.

Let me add that universal mask-wearing ought to be a necessary condition for lifting of lockdown. Ideally it should have preceded the lockdown. There are still a few days left under lockdown, and the policy of universal mask-use must be mandated as soon as possible. If the Union government delays action, state governments must take leadership. As families stay confined in their own homes, they can stitch masks using old clothes. You do not need sewing machine; hand stitching is good enough.

The antibody testing survey has another major benefit. If designed well, it will inform us of the magnitude of the prevalence of Sars-cov-2 infection. That is an invaluable piece of information that will guide future war tactics.

(Dr T Jacob John is a former Professor of Virology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu)