Mumbai: Since the lockdown in India started, everyone is counting days for it to end. But it seems like the lockdown is expected to be lifted between the fourth week of June and the second week of September, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) stated in the report.
On March 24, India went for a lockdown. Other countries that went for the lockdown on the same day were Colombia (March 24); Poland (March 24); and the United Kingdom (March 24). But the lockdown in those countries is expected to last only until June-July (July in case the governments decide to extend the lockdown). But for India, the lockdown can be extended up to September, suggested BCG report. It stated the longer range is expected due to the challenges India face in health system preparedness and record of public policy effectiveness. It need not be forgotten that the lockdown in Hubei province, China started on January 23 and was lifted on April 8.
For other developing countries like Brazil, Argentina and South Africa, the report suggests the extended lockdown can go until August.
The report estimated the peak in case of infected COVID 19 patients in India would be the third week of June. But after hitting the peak if India decides to lift the lockdown immediately, then one can expect the lockdown to be lifted in June last week, stated the report.
At present, there are more than 2,100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India and over 60 people have succumbed to this illness. Meanwhile, more than 170 have recovered. But the number of cases continues to rise in India.
The report, which is based on studying 20 markets, pointed out India’s ability to manage epidemics is poor and so is its health infrastructure.
The potential lockdown end dates in this report are based on two factors — Chinese case: duration of Hubei / Wuhan lockdown and country-specific adjustment based on health system assessment and government effectiveness.
