OPINION : IGNORING MASKS AT YOUR OWN PERIL! – By. Dr. Ashwani K. Malhotra
Over the past few weeks there has been a steady decline in positive cases and deaths due to corona virus, while in many countries in Europe and America there has been another wave of increase in Covid -19 with the result that many countries have clamped lockdowns and imposed fresh restrictions.
The country has almost returned to normalcy in terms of activity and business. The Government is set to allow 100 % presence in cinema halls and opening of swimming pools and anganwaaris even as schools have opened in Punjab. The Government is also set to hold various examinations at the Board/University level.
However, the detection of the virus in about 50 persons ( teachers, students and other contacts ) in some Government schools in Ludhiana district and the death of a 48 year old teacher in the last two weeks could pose a setback in the our fight against the virus.
I have seen many groups of people thronging the markets and in public places, neither wearing masks nor observing social distancing. I wonder whether they even wash their hands or use a sanitiser before and after opening doors or visiting a office/bank!
Vaccination has started, though the turnout has been low. We cannot become complacent by not wearing masks and not adhering to the social distance and other norms. At least not till the time till a herd immunity is achieved and the majority of the people who are either at high risk or who are working in public places have been successfully vaccinated.
Dr Ashwani K. Malhotra MBBS, PGDMCH, PGDMLS, is a retired Senior Medical Officer,Punjab Government,and can be reached at @M-9417188867. E-mail : [email protected]
4 comments
Dr.Malhotra has very aptly summed up the importance of wearing a mask even if you have got vaccinated.He has also highlighted the significance of maintaining physical distance in crowds.If we don’t follow these preventive steps,
we may have to cut a sorry figure.
Thanks Dr. Chopra for your invaluable comments.
True… Mask… Social Distance of minimum 6 ft and washing of hands before eating or touching face including eyes , is very impotant. This tricky disese can bring huge surprises ….
Yes Dr Moninder, indeed corona can spring many surprises. But if we are cautious we can be safe.