This coronavirus is pandemic and not settling any time soon. We need to break it down to everyone. Especially elderly people and make them understand as why we need to stay home and not to roam outside. People come up with excuses as why they have to stay inside when they are fit with zero symptoms. According to WHO and from the evidence of Europe suggests that coronavirus can exist as an aerosol, a physics term meaning a liquid or solid (the virus) suspended in a gas (Like air) only under very limited conditions, and that this transmission route is not driving the pandemic. But “Limited” Conditions does not mean “no” conditions at all. Microbiologists said, Corona virus can be transmitted via air, in droplet form, the virus can remain airborne for few seconds after someone sneezes or coughs. It won’t travel much as gravity can pull it down. There are only few cases to it as of now. We all have examples of Italy, IRAN and Spain and other countries infornt of us. Italy didn’t lockdown when it was needed the most and that resulted in around thousands of deaths and 798+ deaths in 24 hours’ time surpassing China in total numbers. Italian prime minister, yesterday announced completed lockdown of entire state since World War II. We don’t want Kashmir to be next ITALY, WUHAN, OR IRAN. So below is how to break it down for common masses in Kashmir and how govt can move forward.
WHY PEOPLE IN KASHMIR MUST STAY INDOORS?
1: This disease eventually attack your lungs for which you need a ventilator in hospital at separate place. In Kashmir we have few ventilators available. According to a well-known Journalist friend of mine informed me that there are 97 ventilators for 7million people (Approx. 1 ventilator for 72,000). God knows how many of them are functional. Just imagine if only 1000 people get affected by this virus in Kashmir.
2:- We have majorly 3 hospitals here in Kashmir which remain overwhelmed 365 days a year. John Hopkins study shows that most of the cases in Italy visited hospitals out of fear as they had symptoms like common flu and fatigue which later on created an unresolving panic and increase in number of positive cases.
3:- This virus doesn’t see rich or poor, Black or white, Young or elderly, even first case of infant getting coronavirus was found in UK. We have to be really careful with kids having flu like symptoms. Separate them so that other kids at home won’t get it. Cancel their tuitions as well.
4:- While most of the people in India and beyond are not used to stay indoors but we Kashmiris are. We Kashmiris have done it in 90’s, 2008, 10, 13, 14, 16, 19 and now. Stop gathering in Alley, by roads where most of us discuss DAPAAN Politics. We will have enough time for that but as of now stop and stay indoors.
5:- I saw pictures today on social media where people were playing cricket in a ground. Guys! This shouldn’t be a personal choice now. I am again saying. A single +ve case can put entire society in trouble. Remember, those who met president of India recently or those cases in US who met President Trump’s white house staff?
India is second largest population in the world with very less or average healthcare facilities available in the entire country. Experts from across the world are saying that cases of coronavirus could take heavy toll on the country. Infact, India can become a text become example of what community transmission is. The Numbers we see are just tip of the ice berg. Our administration is doing a wonderful job in making sure that everyone is safe and those returning from abroad also spends safe time in quarantine facilities in Kashmir. Here is what administration must do on SOS basis.
1:- Lock down the entire UT now. Please move beyond this fictitious date of 31st march. You know and we all know how bad the situation is. A new study in UK says, people will be asked to stay home bound or in isolation for months. Administration must prepare/aware people beforehand.
2:- WHO chief advised that the only thing countries can do right now is to Test, Test, and Test. Please procure Testing kits and start testing people community wise. It is better to chip in Japanese test kit with results in 10 minutes. The have doubled the production of that covid-19 kit.
3:- Government is doing well but not enough! I mean you stop people coming on main roads, or going to work but what about Mohalla gatherings. What about Mohalla parks, grounds where kids play. This include elderly people as well.
4:- Why is government reluctant to avoid daily religious practices in mosques, shrines everywhere? Government has vast history of locking down mosques in Kashmir in the past then why not now for GOOD? Isn’t this vulnerable that some grand mufti (Including others) advised people that Friday prayers will held as normally. Isn’t administration take any cues from Malaysia?
5:- The number of deaths and positive cases are rising in entire India. Kashmiris have to be wise. Government must allow designated ngo’s to start community drives which includes awareness on isolation, sanitization teams, Distribution of masks, hand sanitizers, encouraging youth to stay indoors and doing tests community wise. Italy has second oldest population worldwide and the order of deaths is substantially older- the median is 67 while in china it was 46. This clearly means that we need to take care of elderly people a lot. Please do not forger children and person with multiple needs.
6:- Provide proper gears to our medical/paramedical teams. This includes head cover, googles, face cover, Hazmat suits (not fake one) boots, gloves and heavy duty air filter triple layer masks. In Italy alone, 2356 medical staff have tested positive or are going into self-isolation. We need to take proper care of our honourable medical staff fighting the crisis at front line. My grand salute to these heroes. This is no less than a war.
Muzamil Maqbool is a developmental Practitioner and has worked in many International organizations in INDIA and Abroad. Views are his own and not reflects to the organization he works for. He can be reached at connectmuzamil.maqbool@gmail.com
