TREADING ON EGGSHELLS

Since there is no vaccine or antidote to the coronavirus as yet, awareness is the best option to guard against the virus (“England cricket team, NBA tell players: No handshakes, high-fives to avoid coronavirus”, Mar.4, Gulf Today).

Though health authorities are advising people not to panic, the warning is being largely ignored more so because the virus is highly infectious. Human race is literally treading on eggshells. From wearing face masks to avoiding handshakes, to having no contact during the sign of peace at Christian services and not using holy water fonts, to the French government advising citizens to forgo the traditional greeting of kisses on each cheek, the general atmosphere is more of panic than otherwise.

Health experts were hoping to contain it early, but unfortunately the number of fatalities has gone way beyond the SARS outbreak in 2002, which also originated from China. With more than 3000 deaths and new cases being detected daily, it is huge health challenge.

There is no doubt that public health agencies, hospitals and health care workers at all levels are doing everything they can to curtail the spread of the disease and treating those infected under quarantine. But public health is not only a governmental task but also the duty of every citizen.

The virus is also indirectly prompting us to be more health conscious, because the most effective steps for individuals in protecting one another from a multitude of diseases, are simple. Washing hands adequately, which means going beyond the perfunctory rinse, is one sure way of keeping the virus at bay. Of course a sanitizer is preferred. Taking care while sneezing and coughing is of utmost importance too.

But the most pertinent fallout is that governments will now be prompted to invest more on public health infrastructure and be better prepared in the future.

Carmen R By email