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| Covid is still among us | | | Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam
It was Sunday evening at around 6pm, the Gole Market and adjoining Apsara Road market of Jammu was crowded with people who were out for shopping, eating and strolling. With hardly anyone wearing face masks and none following social distancing norms everything appeared very normal with no worry for Covid pandemic. This all reminded me of the similar situation prevailing in these bazaars last year. It was a déjà vu moment for me when I noticed people smiling and walking around just like they must have done during the same season of 2020. I also noticed a small number of people clicking selfies. There was nothing in these shopping areas to remind the general public that Covid isn’t over yet. With this approach, the Jammuites appeared to have switched back to a normal life by raising further risk amid ongoing pandemic.
Covid is still among us and it was shocking to note how casually everyone has started responding to it. These shopping destinations have remained deserted for months last year but I felt on that Sunday that everything has gone out of minds of these people who if are made to recall those days may feel depressed once again. It is not wrong to be joyous but as we aren’t yet out of the worst period in the memory of mankind we need to act diligently. We cannot say to ourselves that we are done with Covid. Think of the period last year we spent away from our comfort zones in the middle of police nakas everywhere and praying for return of our old routines. One thing is sure that we aren’t still in our ‘old selves’ and we have to remain ready to face this harsh reality for some more months.
We discovered adaptability and our own strengths and weaknesses last year which helped us to fight this virus till now! Cases are again rising across country very sharply and Jammu–Kashmir is also among the places witnessing spike in past some weeks. After facing strict travel restrictions I think it’s again that time when we restrict our desires to go out and search shopping places. It is important that we strictly follow all safety precautions to save lives. We have started reliving our lives since last year and that vital process must continue for some more months as harsh realities of this pandemic are still running along. We all responded differently to the Covid with many among us having gone through emotional/ physical challenges initially. During panicked situations we were forced to resign from many places and positions and we supported our moves by feeling that new normal is acceptable to me.
But why are we responding differently when we know that the fear is still valid! We need not move mindlessly in places just for leisure as Covid won’t wait for us to settle down before it takes its old shape. As the vaccination drive progresses across India, there is plenty to cover before we can celebrate our victory on Covid.
For all of us who love to move around, need to restrict ourselves for some more time and for this I have made up my mind that I will stop visiting all these markets, malls of Jammu for next one month except it’s an emergency situation to visit these places. Let’s admit that we changed our perspectives and lived without all this for months and prayed for safety of our families, near and dear ones. The lockdown isn’t affordable and enjoyable so rest all things can wait. |
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