Takshashila Policy Advisory - Managed Reopening After Lockdown: Recommendations for State Governments

Document Details
AUTHOR Nitin Pai, Pranay Kotasthane, Shambhavi Naik
DATEJune 14, 2021
DOCUMENTTakshashila Policy advisory 2021-01.
VERSIONVersion 1.0, June 2021.
CATEGORIES Public Policy

Abstract

To prudently resume social and economic activity in accordance with outbreak risks, healthcare capacity, and vaccination progress, we recommend that State governments:

Designate Gram Panchayats/Wards or groups of Gram Panchayats/Wards as Public Health Management Units (PHMUs) and apply restrictions at this level. Follow an anticipatory/pre-emptive approach wherein restrictions can be tightened or relaxed based on what’s happening in other districts and states. Determine threat levels within each PHMU on values of three triggers: Test Positivity Rate (TPR) and Trend, TPR trends in adjoining districts, and Oxygenated Bed Availability and Trend. Roll out a six tier approach for permitting activities within each PHMU based on the threat levels.