Kerala May Be Already Under 3rd Wave - Caution for the IT MSMEs

There are reports emerging from Kerala that the state may be already under the spell of the 3rd wave of Corona outbreak. According to estimates, till July last week, Kerala was seeing 12000 -14000 cases per day and was seen to have reached a plateau after the 2nd wave surge. However, since the beginning of August and especially since the Onam and Bakrid festivals which were celebrated recently, the cases have again begun to surge, with reports suggesting the number of 31000 cases per day or more.

According to reports, about 95% of the cases are of the deadly Delta variant.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on 25th of Aug cited Kerala’s high Corona cases to caution the other states and advised them to take precautionary steps, especially during the upcoming festivals between October and November.

Kerala accounts for more than 50% of the total reported cases in India.

Health experts are of the view that any viral epidemic goes through several waves before dying away. Corona may go through more than 4 waves because of new variants emerging periodically.

Implications for the IT MSMEs

The Corona situation in Kerala has a direct impact on the IT MSMEs located in Kerala, as their business is badly affected if they are offline. Their relatives and friends may have got affected, which can hinder their regular work schedule.

Further, the IT MSMEs in other parts of the country who are dealing with business in Kerala, or have to travel to Kerala for business have to take special precautions in this situation.

As much as possible, the IT MSMEs should move online and do as much business online as possible, to avoid personal contact. Especially during festive season, they should not travel to Kerala, or take extra precautions if they have to travel there.

The Corona waves will take some time to subside, so going online is a smart strategy for the IT MSMEs to follow.