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| Is deadly COVID -19 over for Kashmir people? | | | Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, June 14: Many in Kashmir have started believing that the novel coronavirus pandemic is over and they are openly flouting Covid-19 norms.
It has been seen in almost every district that a sizable number of people flout Covid rules blatantly. They have their own reasons and versions and beliefs. Most who flout precautionary norms cite the drop in the number of cases in the Union Territory as the reason for their actions. What is even more surprising is the fact that even educated individuals also place their trust in such outlandish beliefs.
“I think the serious phase of coronavirus is over. Look at the cases in J&K, they are coming down daily. So there is no need to be alarmed now I guess. The intensity of the virus has died down," a youngster from City centre Lal Chowk told Early Times.
With his face mask dangling from the side pocket, the young resident said that he does not always wear it. He added: “It is suffocating plus when there is no one around, there is no need to wear the mask. It is only needed when there is a crowd around you.”
Asked why he keeps the mask with him if he did not believe in wearing it at all times, the youngster responded with a smile saying, "Police roam around at so many places and impose a fine. So it is better to have one with you.”
Another youngster found at a mall had his own excuse for not wearing a face mask. “Look now we have developed enough immunity so now there is not much tension. Only the old people and those who have issues with heart and lungs need to take precautions and perhaps wear a mask all the time,” he said.
Asked where he had gathered such information from, the youngster, taken aback. "Look around you. Look at the local shopping complexes, the other bazaars. The crowd is back. And the cases are not rising. This means that we have developed immunity now. But of course, it will take some more time and so many vaccines too are almost ready...”
Another person said, “I do not have any symptoms so I do not wear a mask. I am not a threat to anyone. But I keep a sanitizer with me. My friends and I went to Lalchowk yesterday and we did not wear masks and we are fit.”
However medical experts warn that this reckless behaviour could cause serious harm in the coming days.
Early Times talked to some senior doctors to understand their viewpoint on the issue.
One of the doctors said that it was absolutely not okay to plan and venture out unnecessary and think that things are back to normal.
"It will require months before we let our guards down completely. We believe that it would take early 2022 to vaccinate the majority of the population. Till then, we have to be on our guard. Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and avoiding venturing out is still a must. We have to put our best foot forward to reduce the chances of getting infected." The doctor who is posted here in the SKIMS sour said wishing anonymity.
Another Pulmonologist at SHMS said the number of cases reflects the status of the disease in the community, but for an individual, the probability of infection and severity of the disease is still determined by the precautions that one takes, and this has remained unchanged through the pandemic.
Dr adds, "If you actually get vaccinated and the vaccine takes effect, nothing has changed in terms of the probability of severe disease, the availability of drugs to cure the disease, and the possible long-term effects of the disease, even when mild."
A similar sentiment is echoed by another doctor. He said that herd immunity may take time even after vaccination and that people should be careful till a majority of the population undergoes vaccination and that will take time.
The doctor goes on to say that people should be cautious in letting their guard down thinking that it is an immunity passport since the immunity may be short-lived and the virus may re-emerge in a stronger manner.
"Bottom line is to continue to follow all the norms of social distancing, wearing masks, adhering to hand hygiene and following all respiratory etiquettes," the doctors added. |
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