'Pandemic might hit its peak in Tamil Nadu by October', TNMGR Medical University VC

"In the case of Tamil Nadu, the prediction is that the pandemic might reach its high point during October 10-15. It might show variations in other states. For, the geographical spread, climatic conditions and population density of each state is not the same. But, according to estimated projection, infections in the country are expected to peak in the months of September and October. And even now, the Covid-19 curve for the country is on the rise. Yet, comparing it with other countries is not appropriate. "

Chennai: Can Tamil Nadu, which witnesses an alarming rise in Corona infections, hope to flatten the curve. Is it possible for the southern state to overcome the destructive dance of the virus with the possibility of the infections reaching the peak in the months of September and October?

Dr Sudha Seshayyan, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu MGR Medical University, Chennai, responds to these questions and other issues pertaining to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The deadly novel coronavirus, which had its origins at a wet market in Wuhan province in China, is continuing its disastrous run across the globe. With over 7.27 million people infected by the virus which had claimed the lives of nearly half a million across continents, there is no sign of the pandemic subsiding in the coming months. India has earned the odious distinction of being the 4th country with highest infections. As on July 13, the number of infections has reached an alarming rate of more than three lakh while the fatalities inches closer to 9,000. Within the country, Tamil Nadu is reeling under an increasing spread of the virus with each passing day. How to control it? Dr Sudha Seshayyan answers these concerns in an interview to ETV Bharat.

Q: How do you view the rapid spread of the deadly Coronavirus in the country? What are the measures required to contain and control the pandemic?

The corona virus infection graph for India shows that the contagion is on an ascending spree since the pandemic is spreading fast and furious. It is only expected that the curve would flatten only after the infections reach the peak. If the present situation, wherein the pace of its increase and intensity remains alarming, it might remain at a high till the end of September to the middle of October. However, it may not be the uniform across the country as the impact shows variations in different states.

In the case of Tamil Nadu, the prediction is that the pandemic might reach its high point during October 10-15. It might show variations in other states. For, the geographical spread, climatic conditions and population density of each state is not the same. But, according to estimated projection, infections in the country are expected to peak in the months of September and October. And even now, the Covid-19 curve for the country is on the rise. Yet, comparing it with other countries is not appropriate.

A few countries in Europe are witnessing a considerable decrease infections as well as fatalities. The prime reason for the slow but steady flattening of the curve in those regions is low population density. We should not forget that population of an Indian state is more or less equal to that of a European country. In any country, the pace of the pandemic’s spread declines only after it had peaked after having infected 50% to 60% of the population. Considering the low level of population in those countries, it would be absurd to make a comparison with India.

People should take every precaution to protect them from getting infected. Each individual and family and community should take the lead in this. And there should be no slackening in this. Admittedly, the government should take necessary steps to contain the spread of the virus. However, without the cooperation of the public at large, the efforts of the government would not yield the desired results.

Three Talismans for the Public

The protective measures are three viz., 1) maintaining personal hygiene and frequent washing of hands with soap or sanitisers 2) Refraining from touching eyes, ears and nose with bare hands and 3) wearing face masks.

In the past, we have accustomed ourselves to emerging situations and conditions. As such, it is not impossible to adapt to the conditions obtaining out of the Covid-19 pandemic. We should learn to avoid touching our face. Similarly, when stepping out of home, wearing face mask is a must. Wear it wherever you go and do not remove it when talking to someone. For, if someone sneezes or coughs, there is a high possibility of others contracting the virus. And this makes, the face mask a protective shield. This does not mean that anyone who wears a face mask is infected.

If someone enters home, it is better to wear the face mask. Also, while entering home from outside, had wash is a must every time. Even if it is difficult to observe physical distancing at home, ensure it outside. Keeping 6-ft distance is safe.

Though it is said that anyone will contract the virus by remaining close with a spreader for about 15 minutes, it is better to keep a safe distance whether in office or on the road at a traffic signal.

People should keep their homes and their immediate environment neat and sanitised.

Question: How do you see the demand for reopening of schools and colleges at the earliest? Is it proper to hold online classes for students during the lockdown?

Reopening of schools and colleges is not possible as of now. Physical distancing could not be ensured in the class rooms of most of the educational institutions.

Online classes are good in so far they help students to remain focused on studies and prevent them from straying into other unwanted things. But, too much of online classes are not good for health. Continuous exposure to the computer, laptop or the mobile handset may possibly affect eyesight.

Question: How long will we have to live with the virus scare? How long will it last?

The virus is going to stay here and it not going to leave immediately. According to many experts, the Covid-19 virus would last for some more years. May be, there could be a steady decline in its spread and impact. By December this year or February next, the intensity of the pandemic is expected to witness a marked decline all over the world. Then afterwards, it might linger on in some places. Now, during June and July, it might visit like the seasonal flu. Yet, how long the virus would continue to hold its sway depends on how soon we get the vaccines. Whether the virus will come in a second wave or gets mutated needs further observation and study.