Is social distancing, lockdown working to minimize spread

Banday Abid Shafi Misbahi
The spread of pandemic is alarming. Graph continues to rise with each passing day. The number of deaths crossing 1.3 lakh worldwide is the matter of concern. As there no cure yet discovered to control the spread , the only tool with us is to follow the guidelines issued by the WHO, and governments from time to time. The guidelines which include frequent handwashing, maintaining personal hygiene also stresses on maintaining the social distancing effectively. The physical distancing is must in order to break the chain of spread. As per Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
• Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world. When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sun light and humidity. Social distancing helps limit contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces. Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.
• Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even when you wear a face covering.
• Avoid large and small gatherings in private places and public spaces.
• Work from home when possible.
• If possible, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.
• If you are a student or parent, talk to your school about options for digital/distance learning.
It is this lockdown and social distancing we are witnessing that the countries where lockdown was announced during the initial stage there is less spread .India observed the lockdown since last one month, which has worked and the cases were minimized. The hash tag # of Stay Home Stay Safe is widely used now a days through social media & newspapers & channels. I request every individual be a responsible member of your society. Don’t only spread this hashtag# but also follow it so that we can minimize the risks. We need to follow the guidelines and maintain social distancing. No doubt the number of recovered patients is also increasing every day (at least 5 lakh have recovered) but we must keep in mind that we have yet to travel long to curb the spread of this deadly pandemic. I should say the war is yet to win, so we need to be more cautious. We must applaud the efforts of our front line warriors, the real heroes (Doctors, Nurses and Other Staff) who are fighting day and night. We must be cooperative with our local administration and help them where they need our support. Because jointly we can do the great.
(The writer is a freelancer. Views are his own, [email protected])