Old City oblivious to Covid-19 precautions
Residents not taking preventive measures to protect themselves from the deadly virus
Even as the entire world is in grips of panic and is reeling from shock at the growing tentacles of coronavirus (Covid-19), and unlike fellow residents in rest of the city, majority of the people in the Old City of Hyderabad are neither scared nor much bothered by Coronavirus.
Old City people are not taking precautionary measure to protect themselves from the pandemic. They do not hesitate in shaking hands with friends, or even strangers, and roaming in the streets without using masks.
Most of the people Deccan Chronicle spoke to were not aware about the severity of pandemic. They said that they had heard about Covid-19, but do not pay much attention on it.
“We have neither time to take precautionary measure nor do our women understand it. We are living in an atmosphere, where historically, less attention was paid to health and hygiene. If we follow precautions, most of us would not be able to focus on earning our bread and butter,” most resident argue.
Mohammed Ayyan Quadri, a student from Jahanuma, said that people here are less aware about the pandemic, because a large number of them are not educated. There are many pockets in the old city, where migrants from other places reside, who work as either artisans or daily wagers. Most people are away from news channels and newspapers.
“Though a section of people read Urdu newspapers, these newspapers have not given enough focus about the issue and therefore the readers have not sensed the urgency or criticality of the issue. Most of the population in old city have neither time nor money to follow precautions given by doctors and experts,” Mr Quadri said. Moulana Mohammed Farooq Quadri said, “it is our belief that no contagious disease is conveyed without almighty’s permission. We the Muslims do wudhu (ablution) five times in a day before prayer and think it is enough to sanitize ourselves from all viruses and bacteria.”
Moulana Quadri said, “human body weakens and diseases take over when immunity is weak. The immune system of our people is very active and strong. In fact unhygienic atmosphere and bad food habits of old city enhances immunity.”
Mohammed Rafi of Golconda said that we are living in an area in which mosquitoes abound. This has made us stronger. He said it was not possible to take precautionary measures prescribed by doctors for people who are poor.
Doctors are advising to wash hands five to six times in a day, use masks and avoid mingling with people or join crowds. Undergoing isolation becomes impossible for us, as we will lose our daily wage. He said that instead of asking people to take precautionary measures, government should take action to curb the pandemic.