To all the decision-makers at the centre and state provincial levels around the Indian country :

As we are entering into Phase-3 of COVID-19 scientists, researchers, health care professionals are working round the clock to protect citizens but this is not enough to bring into control. With concern with the Indian economy, citizens and all other aspects, we request upon you to fully lock down of our nation now, without further delay, to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the disease that it causes, COVID-19. Every hour we wait makes the problem exponentially worse, with estimates of millions of deaths. Only with drastic measures can we significantly reduce the number of new cases.

Every day, new research makes the following fact clearer: policies that only quarantine symptomatic people simply aren’t enough to slow the tide.

• Community transmission via undocumented cases is much more widespread than previously thought and is a major reason this pandemic is growing at an exponential rate. New evidence on community transmission is likely to put our Nation and citizens life in risk.
• Asymptomatic carriers, not likely to be identified, are now confirmed by leading researchers as a major source of spread.  According to the epidemiologists’ analysis, asymptomatic (and hence undocumented) infections were responsible for 79% of documented cases in the recent COVID outbreak in China. The study estimates that for every known case of coronavirus, another 5 to 10 cases are likely to be undetected. See this coverage in the New York Times, aptly titled: Coronavirus is hiding in plain sight
• Lockdown will save tens or possibly hundreds of thousands of lives, as shown in new public health simulation models by Imperial College London. See this article in The Guardian, which explains why this study has changed UK policy. See this article in the New York Times about how these findings have influenced US policy.
• Hence, Country lockdown is the only possible solution to control both detected and undetected COVID-19 cases.

As a matter of urgency, we recommend that a policy of maximal mitigation be implemented immediately, including the following actions, in keeping with the Imperial College London study:

1. All universities, colleges, schools, and daycares should be closed. 
2. Restrictions on domestic and international travel should be implemented immediately, including planes, trains, and public transit (except for emergency workers and essential services).
3. Regions with confirmed community transmission should follow San Francisco’s example and impose “shelter in place” requirements for all residents; including closure of all public facilities, non-essential businesses, and private and public gathering places. Urgent support should be provided for vulnerable individuals who may be inadequately housed or homeless. 

Certain other things to be taken care:

• Subsidised meals, food, pension, ration to the needy.
• Availability of sanitisers, masks, tissues, napkins, etc.,
• Subsidies to commercial & corporate on rent, power and exclusion of taxes.

Let employees are taken care by organisations and that of individuals like needy/daily wagers are taken care by government.

Clearly, these actions will have significant impacts on economic wellbeing, but we believe that the unprecedented nature of the COVID19 threat to our health and health care system requires equally unprecedented responses. 

At this point, as many nations have already come to accept, full lockdown is inevitable. Every day (and even every hour) of delay in implementing lockdown will cost lives. 

Spread these words, not the virus. Sign, then share.

Sincerely,

All Indian Citizens.