Probably there is nothing that people haven’t discussed, shared and debated about the deadly Coronavirus pandemic ever since the first lockdown 1:0 was imposed across the country from 24 March onwards. However, irrespective of what is being pondered over and exchanged over SMSes, WhatsApp and similar social networking sites and in-person not much seems to have changed at the public behavior in general!
The same sort of opinion holds good with those in the administration and the political bosses adorning power seats. There seems to be no rationale between what is being publicly perceived and practiced at large. Day in and day out the local, regional, state and central governments continue to bombard the people on what all that needs to be done to keep the Coronavirus at bay.
But the same authorities act paradoxically giving little credence to their own oft-repeated public pronouncements.
Dr Chandrashekhar V. Shettar, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the KLE’s Centenary Charitable Hospital & MRC, Belagavi in Karnataka opines: Despite all this knowledge of Coronavirus “now the Big Question is why is the Government allowing for routine activities?”.
First, people after almost 2-3 months of lockdown, are desperate to work and earn. Daily wagers who live on their weekly or daily earnings, are also worried and they know the Government and the philanthropists can’t feed them forever. Ultimately, they have to earn and live. Living is going to be costlier day by day.
Now, why is the Government allowing in spite of knowing everything? First, the number of tests done is just the tip of the iceberg. We really don’t know the extent of disease lying uncovered by the negligent and irresponsible citizens who don’t want to tell they have the symptoms or have come from the containment zones.
Then, what’s the way out of such a predicament? Dr. Chandrasekhar V.Shettar asserts: There is what is called “Herd Immunity “. It’s the natural immunity gained by healthy individuals who develop immunity to such viral diseases naturally. But how far they will develop is really a guess and no guarantee to come to a conclusion.
But yet Dr Shettar has many a suggestion as precautionary measures in order to remain safe and healthy:
The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others and frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, so avoid going to crowded places. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.
Keep yourself updated about Covid19 from reliable sources like WHO. Young children below 1 year and those above 60 years should take more care especially those suffering from diabetes, or any other diseases.
On how to keep safe distances, he makes the following suggestions:
1. Think and behave like everyone has Corona & you will be safe. This has to be followed until the medicines are found or a vaccine is produced.
2. Moderna, a Massachusetts-based company, said the vaccine called mRNA-1273 “was generally safe and well-tolerated.” The company said it plans to move ahead with the next two phases, in which larger numbers of people will be tested this year.
3. Do cashless transactions.
4. Meet the Doctor and take his advice at the slightest indication like fever, dry cough, breathing problems, headaches, loose motions, vomiting etc
5. Avoid close contact with anyone while dealing with anything.
6. Avoid unnecessary traveling.
7. Try to carry your own things when you go out like sanitizer, pens, cups etc. Avoid touching rails, carry your sanitizer wipes. On returning home, remove shoes, dress, have a good wash, wear clothes fresh ones & then mingle among family members
