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For more than a year by now, since the news of the Novel Coronavirus broke out in the world and many succumbed to the impact of the deadly virus and millions of people also managed to protect or survive the pandemic. However, the dangers of Covid-19 have not yet settled in and further with its new variants looming over our heads, and in this regard, experts and medical professionals suggest extra caution and care at this very crucial and alarming situation all over the world, especially India where there is more than 2 lakh infections everyday with more fatalities. No doubt, we all are aware of the Covid rules and precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus, but need to be practically responsible at this point of time to protect ourselves from the virus and its new variants.
1. Maintain social distancing and avoid public gathering : The easiest way to contract virus is through physical contact or aerosol transmission. Being in the company of more than one person only increases the risk of getting infected and consequently spreading it to other people. Hence, it becomes extremely important and need to be very cautious to avoid public gatherings and maintain proper distancing at crowded places.
2. Mask –up : While many myths surrounding the use of masks continue to circulate amidst the public, yet it is still one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves from Covid-19. A well-fitting mask acts as a barrier between ourselves and persons infected with the deadly virus. As such, it prevents us from inhaling other people’s respiratory droplets and prevent us from transmitting our aerosol droplets to others in containing the spread of the virus.
3. Wash and sanitise hands regularly: The deadly virus can spread through touch. Whether we visit grocery stores or go for a troll in the park, the unseen virus may be everywhere and must be very vigilant and careful. Therefore, it is utmost important to wash our hands regularly and sanitise them whenever we go out in the open.
4. Disinfect the touched surfaces frequently: Besides washing our hands, we must also steer clear of frequently touched surfaces that can be contaminated. Hence, it is important to sanitise areas that are common for public use or atleast clean the areas that are mostly touched.
5. Good ventilation is essential: It is important that a clean surrounding is crucial when it comes to protecting ourselves from Covid-19. Considering that the virus can spread via airbone tramsmission, it is likely that aerosol particles may linger in the air for longer period of time, making people to likely to contract the virus. Therefore, by resorting to good ventilation, we not only secure our place but reduce the chances for both droplets and airborne transmission to take place.
6. To get tested when we develop symptoms : Many times, we waver off cold symptoms for being just another winter chill. But experts and doctors suggest to get tested when people develop symptoms that are similar to Covid-19 symptoms. By doing so, we not only increase our chances of survival but also limit the spread of the virus.
7. Consider alternatives to shaking hands: Extending a handshake is a common greeting or sign of respect. However, shaking hands come with the risk of passing bacteria or viruses onto that person or vice versa. If an infected person coughs or sneezes into his hand, there is a possibility of transmission through hand-to-hand contact as well.
8. Safe vaccination: Considering a vaccine is our only way to combat the Novel coronavirus, it is crucial that we get the jab. While many side effects have surfaced following its roll out, however, one must go through the fact sheet provided by the authorities and then decide whether to call the shots or not.
It is understandable for all of us to be concerned about Covid-19 and its adverse consequences, and it’s never a bad idea for the everyday person to take steps to prevent the spread of illness. Let us be responsible and make small adjustments to ensure that we are following the best practices to prevent general infection. “Together we can fight and defeat Covid-19”
Prakash Chetri
Ward-3, Chümoukedima Town