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At this time of Covid-19 pandemic, mass gathering of people is prohibited for community safety. Social distancing helps to avoid transmission of virus. This particular virus is lethal. Dr Duc Cong Vuong, a surgeon says, “this virus is called SARS Cov-2 which causes a disease called Covid-19. This is novel because there is no cure developed so far” (Vuong, 2020). It is clear that “the pathological features of Covid-19 greatly resemble those seen in SARS and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus infection” (ZheXu*, 2020, p. 421). Knowing the nature of this virus helps to combat it in the best way.
Government’s advisory note of not gathering is a needed measure to contain the spread of Covid-19. This is helpful and mandatory. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has stated, “Social distancing is a non-pharmaceutical infection prevention and control intervention implemented to avoid/decrease contact between those who are infected with a disease causing pathogen and those who are not, so as to stop or slow down the rate and extend of disease” (Services, 2020, p. 1). On a larger scale, “a coordinated global response is desperately needed to prepare health systems to meet this unprecedented challenge” (Andrea Remuzzi, 2020, p. 1225). Indian Government’s advisory note on social distancing is a contribution to the global response against Covid-19. “Public health and social measures to slow or stop the spread of Covid-19 must be implemented with the full engagement of all members of society” (WHO, 2020). Human’s nature to gather and associate is given a trial at these pandemic times. The aim of social distancing is to “limit transmission, provide early care, communicate key information and minimise social and economic impacts” (DeblinaRoya, 2020, p. 2). Social distancing aims at personal and community hygiene which India, in general lacks.
Nature has levelled ‘equal’ many man-made distinctions. Covid-19 attacks rich and poor, literate and illiterate. Humans have realised hygiene as a necessity for health. People have learnt disinfecting behaviour and hoarding behaviour (Benjamin Oosterhoff, 2020, p. 7) which is a novel social behaviour for a country like India. “Funds were raised globally and Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) was set up aimed to protect the states with weaker health systems” (DeblinaRoya, 2020, pp. 1-2). Educated and illiterate begin to have awareness on cleanliness and pathogenic dispersal. Minimalistic living with just essential things is possible as the shops, malls and online portals have closed down business of non-essential things. Mother nature is rejuvenating with the cut in man’s polluting elements.
The population of India that stand at 1,380,004,385 (Demographics, 2020) have by and large obeyed the Honourable Prime Minster of India, NarendraModi’s national lockdown declared on the 24th March 2020 (India, 2020). Regarding care for stranded people, “in a communication to the state governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted the Supreme Court directions regarding welfare of migrant labourers housed at relief shelters and camps in different parts of the country” (MHA asks States, 2020). The social distancing advisory of each state governments are subsequent follow-up of the national directives to contain this pandemic. Another way of each state fetching their own citizens from other states of India is another directive.
The government is equipped with best expertise. Therefore, citizens are to adhere to the advisory notes of the government regarding containment of Covid-19 pandemic. This will save the nation and all citizens. Hygiene and social distancing are tools to combat this pandemic. Learning to live with essentials saves time and finance. Less vehicular movements create better air quality and reduces noise pollution. Social distancing can also create deeper reflections in the minds of researchers and government employees. Social distancing is the need of the hour to fight Covid-19 pandemic.
Rev. Fr Paul Lelen Haokip