Covid resource groups gearing up to tackle third wave

Several groups are planning on strategizing and structuring resources in case of yet another outbreak

Hyderabad: While the Covid-19 cases curve came down drastically since the second wave hit its peak on May 6, there is buzz about a potential third wave, with medical experts predicting its possibility in the next few months.

The government has already started taking several measures under the guidance of medical professionals and in addition to that, Covid resource groups, which played an important role in tackling the pandemic, have initiated their own steps to prepare themselves for the same.
For starters, major resource groups are planning on strategizing and structuring resources.

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“All of our requests are handled in a very ad-hoc manner, with resourceful people proactively taking up requests and handling it. So far, we haven’t been able to figure out a structured, organised manner and we now want to do that, to ensure smoother handling of emergencies,” says Sai Prasad Tirumala, one of the admins of a resource group.

Additionally, the groups are also planning on mapping resources that worked out well so far to enable easy access.

Rikit Shahi, an active resource member says, “there are many resources for medication, equipment, etc., but we all were on our toes as we were getting requests nonstop. We are now planning on collating all of them together for easy access.”

 

Echoing a similar viewpoint is Shivani Yasaswi Chaganti, another resource member, who says, “I built many contacts in hospitals in the last two months and I am now creating a database of all those, so if someone else receives a request, they have access to what I do.”

But, according to some, structuring and handling these resource groups in an organised manner is impossible and can potentially waste crucial time. As Sinjith Yerramilli, a group admin points out, “When we get a request, it is usually a critical scenario and we don’t have the time or even the mental space to handle it in an organised manner. While a structure may have its benefits, it can also turn out to be counterproductive and redundant.”

Others, like Bhargav Ventrapragada, are planning on having proper tie-ups with government officials to enable easier relief by their organisations.

“We gave over 30,000 free meals in two months and when the lockdown was announced, we scrambled around for permissions at the last minute. But now, we are planning on approaching government officials and having prior tie-ups beforehand,” explains Bhargav.