By Sampada Anuranjanee Khatiwada

Kathmandu, June 9: After over 70 days into the lockdown, the government is contemplating ways to ease restrictions and resume economic activities. The task of preparing a modality to open up businesses has apparently been given to the High Level Coordination Committee (HLCC) formed to prevent and control COVID-19.
Although the final decision of the government as to changing the modality of lockdown has not been taken yet, the human movement on the roads inside the valley has already increased, with most shops and offices being opened.
The number of COVID-19 cases along with the death toll, on the other hand, has been surging daily. Despite increasing threat of the virus infection, citizens are seen stepping out of their houses, even without any urgency.
As the lockdown has undoubtedly hit the country's economy and people's lives hard, the effect of probable relaxation of lockdown is being seen on the roads. "People, in numbers, are seen on the road, especially during morning and evening hours and not all of them wear masks or maintain social distancing. It almost feels like we've moved back to normalcy in the Kathmandu Valley," said Bijaya Kumar Dhakal, a shopkeeper at Basundhara.
The Traffic Police had held 720 vehicles until 10:00 AM on Tuesday. This also shows that the flow of people has increased on the roads.
"More than two months long lockdown has brought economic hardships to many and the government must change the modality of lockdown as soon as possible," said Ramesh Tiwari, a doctor. "But I don’t mean the virus won't affect people if the lockdown is relaxed or lifted.
"It is sheer overconfidence of people to think that they will not catch the virus when they step out of the house," said Tiwari. People must understand that the virus can infect anyone, anywhere. Consequent extension of lockdown is not the way forward to curb COVID-19 spread and the alternatives must be sought soon, added Tiwari.
"Side by side, people must make sure that they are taking all precautions while stepping out or while at work. No matter whether the lockdown is extended, relaxed or lifted, we will remain safe from infection only if we follow all the safety protocols."
Likewise, Dr Rabindra Pandey, public health expert, said that relaxing the lockdown while the COVID-19 cases are spiking called for taking additional precautions.
"It is vital for all of us to implement all the preventive measures to stay healthy," he said. Even if the lockdown is relaxed, people should not step out, essential works being the exception. Maintaining a 6-feet distance and avoiding crowds is the most effective way to stay safe from virus, said Dr Pandey.
"The workplaces must be well ventilated; eating lunch outside and gatherings should be avoided, masks, gloves and shoes used while going out must be dried in the sun," he added. "Also, we should avoid going to hospitals and practice home remedies in case of minor health problems."
The grocery shopping should be done online or at the shops nearby, if possible. Herbal concoctions must be consumed to keep the body warm, he added.
Dr Pandey said that maintaining a sound mental health and keeping the body fit was also important to boost the immunity system amid the pandemic. "Around 90 per cent of COVID-19 patients recover with normal treatments and only 10 per cent might require clinical support from the hospitals."
But this doesn’t mean that we can walk around confidently thinking that the virus wouldn’t affect us. Taking all the safety protocols is the only bet to prevent and control the virus regardless of extension or relaxation of lockdown, added Dr Pandey.