IT is true that very little can be done on an individual level to combat what is as lethal as the second wave of covid-19 in Kashmir. However, individual precautions are very significant and their efficacy cannot be ruled out.
It is often highlighted how one covid positive person can start a chain of infections. This causes the scale of transmission to multiply, leading to an exponential rise. However, much like the logic that runs exponential rise, run the logic of exponential decay. This implies that each case avoided is a step towards a chain of infections being averted. Perhaps, this is the aim that we as a society must keep in mind.
Instead of thinking about exponential rise, we should focus on exponential decay and make that our aim. Many on social media have advocated a quite strict way of bringing the cases down. They’re asking each individual to assume that the person next to them is infected with covid-19 and follow SOPs as they would near an infected person. They believe that if this is followed for a month, we will see a substantial decline in the number of cases.
Ofcourse, this method isn’t one that has been advocated by any credible authorities, paramedics or the government. However, it is purely directed at guiding people to take extra precautions. We must realise that we have no other option. Our health care is severely strained. Even as many in the administration are claiming there’s no lack of resources, many patients are running from pillar to post in search of ICUs, Oxygen and medicines.
Therefore, the situation calls for intensifying our own safety precautions even if they may seem too strict. Our NGOs are also running low on supplies. There’s only so much community effort will do if individual precautions are compromised.
Therefore, it is an earnest request to all. Don’t allow any lapses. Follow covid SOPs strictly. Avoid unnecessary outdoor trips and avoid indoor meetings. This is truly our time to show how much we love Kashmir and people here. Give it your best for nothing less is going to help.
Tania Shafi
Tanias@rediffmail
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