Hyderabad (Telangana): Severely alarming are the surge in Covid cases and the consequent deaths that are breaking records on a day to day basis. Already the number of reported Covid positive cases has crossed 1.5 crores and the reported deaths are around 1.8 lakhs. The alarming surge of Covid is sending shivers down the spine among the people in ten States.
The second wave of the pandemic in India witnessed a surge of the South African, UK and Brazilian variety of virus. While engulfing the people, the Covid virus is undergoing many more dangerous mutations. Contrary to the disease symptoms manifested in the first wave of Covid, this time patients are rushing to hospital with complaints of difficulty in breathing. As a result, the State health institutions are throwing up their hands in desperation.
The Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has stated in the first week of this month that the virus is able to spread up to a distance of two meters from the positive patient and in places with high viral load, the virus is spreading through the air. Scientists from Oxford University have also warned that the Coronavirus is spreading through the air. Apart from the nose and mouth, the virus is infiltrating the human body through the eyes also.
Last year’s pandemic has left behind socio-economic devastation of a scale witnessed in multiple wars. Its second wave is throwing greater challenge. With no other go left, Maharashtra announced lockdown and Delhi followed suit. Allahabad High Court ordered lockdown in five worst-affected districts of UP.
As the number of active cases crossed 20 lakhs in the country, there is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen, ventilators and life support drugs. Though the Center is assuring oxygen supply, vaccine and medicine production, it is for the citizenry to act if the pandemic is to be brought under control. The chances of Covid infection can be averted by 70 per cent by taking precautionary measures.
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Covid infected 13 crore people all over the World. It took the lives of 30 lakh hapless beings. Vaccine production was taken up on a war footing and 70 crore people were vaccinated. Yet the virus continues to threaten mankind with its newer mutations. Research is being continued for a comprehensive vaccine to contain the dreaded virus. The Centre has given clearance for universal adult vaccination from May 1. However, the first thing to be done by the State and Central governments is to dispel the apprehensions that are troubling the minds of the people. The message should reach the people that there will be no life threat to the patient even if he is infected by Covid after vaccination.
Everyone is aware of the best medical practice to keep Covid at bay and that is wearing masks without fail and clean hands with sanitisers. Everyone should observe a two feet social distancing while interacting with anyone. By merely following these tips the spread of covid can be contained.
South Koreans have adopted an interesting practice in their fight against the pandemic. They have divided work between right and left hands. According to this practice, they perform the tasks like adjusting the masks and rubbing the eyes with their right hand. They use their left hand for activities like opening the door and giving and taking money.
The negligence that has crept into the people after the slowing down of the first wave of Covid has resulted in the surge of this second wave. Everyone should observe precautions without fail if an end is to be put to the tragedy caused by the pandemic.
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