Something that is making the headlines today is the
infamous COVID-19 which was detected in Wuhan, China. This virus has ever since has spread like a wildfire thereby taking thousands of lives across the
globe. The worst affected countries are surprisingly the ones having the best
resources and health care facilities such as the USA, Italy, and the United
Kingdom amongst others. This reveals that the wealth of any country does not
have any bearing on the impact of the deadly disease, but it is the precaution
and smart measures that make the difference in effectively dealing with the
crisis on hand.
“THE DEADLY COVID-19”
THE
CO-OPERATION
The government alone is unable to
stop the deadly virus from spreading unless the citizens co-operate and
positively respond to the measures set up by the government rising beyond the
religious barriers ranging from the poorest to the richest.
THE
INFODEMIC
A substantive factor that has
played a major role in spreading the fear of COVID-19 has been the unregulated
and/or unconfirmed and/or ill-guided news. The need of the hour is to analyze
and verify the credibility of the information with the verified government
data. A single misconception or a selfish act can put the entire nation into
jeopardy. For instance, when the 21-day lockdown was announced, people began
hoarding groceries and other essential commodities in anticipation of shortage,
in light of the unconfirmed news spread across social media platforms despite
the government having assured the people of regular supply of essential
commodities.
WHAT
CAN WE DO?
Even though the lockdown has
confined us between four walls for 3 weeks, it is the right time to explore
ourselves and foster new skills, which may include but not be restricted to the
following.
- We
could learn to play a musical instrument through online courses or YouTube
channels.
- Read
books on subjects as per individual preferences
- Learn cooking
- Clean your house and surprise your parents
- ·Try a hand in painting
- Read
our articles
SMALL
STEPS TO SUCCESS
At present, there is no remedy to
COVID-19. But let us keep in mind the age-old saying ‘prevention is better than
cure’, It means we need to take the right measures to keep us safe from the
deadly virus. These are some of the easiest steps which we can follow :
1. Do not Panic:
The
first and foremost thing we have to do is not panic. It is not going to help in
any way other than making the situation worse.We
need to have faith in ourselves.
2. Social
distancing:
Avoid stepping out
of your house unnecessarily. While you are out to buy essential commodities ensure maintaining distance with the person near you.‘The only alternative we have now’Also, ensure you
are covered through a mask or anything to cover your mouth.
Social distancing - the current alternative
3.Good Hygiene:
The
most important of all is to maintain good hygiene. It’s very simple; just wash
your hand properly with soap. Why? Soap or alcohol is very effective against dissolving that
greasy liquid coating of the virus.
THE INDIAN TOUCH
It wouldn’t be
wrong if I say that the colonial empire destroyed the Indian traditions. They
forcefully made us accept their culture leading to the destruction of our
traditions. But today the world has been forced to follow India’s footsteps. Today India has emerged as global leader. The following are a few examples:
·
1. Namasthe
world:
‘Namasthe’ is
the original Indian way of greeting people by joining hands. This was replaced
by ‘handshakes’ during the colonial rule.
But today people
are avoiding handshakes as it involves physical contact thereby it increases the transmission of the virus.
·
2. Removing
footwear before entering:
Shoes can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses as it
comes in direct contact with dirt and germs. Virus and bacteria can breed on
the sole of the shoe and might even get carried to your home.
INDIA'S PROGRESS:
The Indian
Government has taken certain measures that are being praised by international organizations such as the WHO and many other countries like USA and many SAARC
nations as well:
· 1. A
21-day lockdown:
A 21-day
lockdown was announced on 25th March. The entire country would go to
a state of lockdown with all the shops, malls, theatres, educational
institutions etc being shut down except for grocery stores and medical shops.
A scene of lockdown in the capital
2. The
‘Thaali’ and the Janata Curfew:
On
22nd March the Prime Minister of India announced a nationwide
lockdown for a day. On
22nd March at 5 pm the Prime Minister also asked the citizens to clap as a mark of respect for the brave doctors, medics, army and police officials who risk their lives to treat the patients. The same is being followed by countries such as The United Kingdom, The USA, Australia and many more
· 3. Prakash
On
the 9th of April, the prime minister urged Indians to light diyas,
candles, flashlights or any other source of light or ‘prakash’to show
solidarity that we all are united in this fight against COVID-19. This was very
successful, from a beggar to Mukesh Ambani almost everyone participated in it.
'Candle-a source of prakash'
· 4. Railway
coaches into isolation wards:
India
is planning to use train coaches as COVID-19 isolation wards in response to the
growing number of cases in the country. The
concept is approved and each of the railway zones will be ordered to transform
ten coaches into such isolation wards every week. Maruti and Mahindra are also
changing their production units to build ventilators and masks.
THE POSITIVE SIDE
Let’s
wrap up this article on a positive note. Though this pandemic has caused
worries and anxiety among people there is a positive side too. The amount of
pollution has gradually decreased due to reduced human activities. This
pandemic has also taught us that we are not the masters of this planet. We need
to live in harmony with other animals as well. Or else such pandemics like this
can cause the entire humanity to suffer badly. The pandemic has also helped
many people their selves better.
This is going to be a huge and lengthy war, till
then we have to be patient and wise.
May the world emerge victoriously!!
~THANK YOU~
~THANK YOU~
-Written by: S Sanjeev Bhagath
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