Hyderabad: People who stayed in homes for months together were exhausted with the lockdown. Current situation is such that if people take to roads again for any economic activity, chances are that the virus may create mayhem once again. Whether in the house or outside, there is always a threat of the virus spreading among the people. To address this issue, the New Zealand government has introduced a ' social bubble ' and ' travel bubble ' approach for its citizens.
What is this ‘Social Bubble’?
It is like a cluster. Social Bubble is the process of controlling people from meeting each other physically. Its main purpose is to allow people to meet only their chosen families/friends. Oxford University sociology professors say that the fewer people we have physical contact with, the more likely we are to prevent the spread of the virus. When this mechanism is in place, the virus-infected person’s contact tracing becomes easier for the officials.
Where is it being implemented?
Some countries relaxing the lockdown regulations are enforcing it. Countries like New Zealand, Belgium and Germany are already bringing it into force. Even in countries like France, Austria and Denmark, a person is allowed to meet only 10 others in their family and friend circles put together.
* In Germany only two families are allowed to meet each other physically. They are not to meet anyone else.
* In New Zealand too, people can meet their closes aides and family friends. This closed circle of their chosen ones is termed as a ‘Bubble’. The government allowed it’s citizens to meet only a few of chosen acquaintances and implored that it is important and their responsibility to protect their ‘Bubble’. They further asked the people to be vigilant about who they chose for this Bubble. Whoever is chosen must be safe themselves and also keep the others too safe from the spread of the deadly virus.
* Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Williams has also announced the introduction of a similar policy in her country. The government has allowed only two families to meet here under the name of 'Corona Bubble'. Britain is also considering a similar approach.
Same principle to be applied for travel too..?
This is also the case similar to that of clustering. A travel bubble is being strategised to accelerate economic activity between countries. Countries with a low incidence of corona outbreaks and cases are grouped. The aim is to restore safe travel between these countries. It will also boost tourism. Experts say the model will play a key role in the restoration of the global transportation system. India too needs to take this into account and formulate its policies.
* Currently, New Zealand and Australia have effectively built the measures to contain Covid-19. The two countries are seriously considering setting up a 'Trans Tasman' travel bubble to revive travel between the two countries. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also confirmed this, and discussions are currently underway. If successful, Taiwan and Hong Kong are also considering incorporating it. Finland and Poland, along with some other countries in the European Union, will implement such a policy.
* Baltic countries such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania launched 'Travel Bubble' on 15th of this month. People from these countries can travel freely. People from outside the three countries must stay in Quarantine for 14 days.
