Dr Asangba Tzudir
The reality of the various experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic was so horrific that with like at stake, to be back to such a horrific situation is something which none would want. And looking at the situation today, the pleasure of a corona free life has somehow made us forget the horrific reality. However, COVID-19 is still not yet over. As of April 3, 2023, the Corona Virus active cases in India stood at 20219, according to the statistics reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The steady increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in India needs to be taken seriously. While the Government of India is taking all necessary steps to ensure that India is prepared well to face the challenge and the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important factor in preventing the spread of the virus locally is to empower the citizens with the right information and to take precautions as per the advisories issued.
In Nagaland, as of now, the Corona virus recorded active cases stand at 2, which is almost negligible comparing with the times when the pandemic was at its peak. But careless attitude on our part can change the number overnight. The basic pandemic SOP’s of wearing face masks and using hand sanitizers is hardly followed and considering the recent trends, it once again needs to be followed. However, irrespective of whether the corona virus is wiped out or not, the various forms of pollution so also the various viral diseases is hazardous and therefore, at least the use of hand sanitizers and face masks needs to be routinely followed. The least we can do and which we can prevent is the spread of the virus.
Besides the direct effects, the indirect affect on the student community and their academics, the price rise of both essential and non-essential commodities, the effect is felt even now. As such, though the worst seems over, the pandemic is far from over, and we cannot afford to drop our guard by ignoring the precautionary measures.
As such, it only calls for strengthening the precautionary measures because there is no guarantee that the virus will just disappear in a few days. It may change overnight for worse and the effect will be something which will be deeply felt for times to come. For now, the state as well as the general public seems to be callously reeling under a state of complacency by ‘creating’ a Corona virus free situation.
Besides the corona virus, and in consideration of the emerging trends of viral diseases, at least face masks and hand sanitizers needs to become a part of our lifestyle, and if not everywhere, it should be necessarily followed at least in crowded places.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to [email protected])
