Social distancing : A myth of Unlocked INDIA

What has been the most effective tool in tackling the virus spread ?

Social distancing, use of masks and sanitizers.

The chief weapons against the COVID-19 infections until a proper vaccine is brewed for the purpose. During the first 60 days of the nationwide lockdown the so called tools were the golden rules of survival. These rules were enforced so effectively, helped to curb the virus spread effectively. When India returned to action in Unlock 1.0 the so effective hard and fast rule all of a sudden started to disappear. With consecutive phases of Unlock the rule of social distancing is now hardly found except in some places such as Airports and railway stations. 

Why social Distancing?

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. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible, even if you—or they—do not have any symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at great risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

This must be known to all if not I feel terribly sorry for you.

If you are sick with COVID-19 or even have symptoms for the same, or have been in contact with a person who has COVID-19, then it is important to stay home and stay away from the people you care until it is safe.

Anyone can get and spread 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 in communities.

The two contrasting scenarios

• April 2020,

COVID-19 spread is at it's peak. People are advised to stay home. Section 144 is imposed all over the nation. Only necessary services are exempted from total shutdown. People fear going outside.

They are very cautious and taking all the necessary measures. People are washing their hands whenever they go out and return. Masks are seen on everyone's face except a few superhumans. Authorities are strict and police personnel's are being stationed at every square intersection. 

They are constantly vigil and control the mass gathering of peoples. They spread awareness about the COVID-19 infection using a variety of methods. Six feet distancing between people is a mandatory practice.

Social distancing circles are drawn outside the ration shops. Police doesn't hesitate to use brute force on the one's breaking protocol.

• December 2020,

India is now fully unlocked though some restriction are still in force. The virus spread is declining rapidly since September. The phase wise unlock seem to bring economy and life back on track. The police are still there at square intersections but they are not more than standing silent spectators. They no longer interrupt people without mask and breaking social distancing protocols. People have became very careless. The social distancing circles are not more than a floor graffiti. Six feet distancing is rarely seen. The COVID-19 virus is still present and infecting citizens.

Why the sudden change of mindset?

It may seem that our mindset has changed with the relaxations. But this is not the case if you look closely. The mindset of people has been the same throughout the quarantine period and is the same post quarantine. We follow rules very strictly only under fear, remove fear we get back to being disobedient.

With the onset of phase wise unlock, people have this notion that the wave of infection has been averted. They think it is safe to step out of homes unnecessarily. Sadly this is partly true, the rate of infection may have decreased but the virus is still present in the system. With potential to wreck havoc again. 

Also there is this thinking among the masses that so far they have not been infected so even in future the virus can do no harm to them. This is preposterous and if you think this comes from the illiterate portion then I'm sorry to break it to you all this kind of notion is prevalent everywhere.

Measures taken by Administration

In many states across India, the local administration tried their level best to normalize the regular use of mask and social distancing. But we all know that all their efforts were vain.

BJP protests against the chhath puja restictions in Delhi

During festive seasons last year there was penalty imposed for not wearing masks in public up from ₹500 to ₹2000.

Administration of some states urged their citizens to remain and celebrate festivals from home. This Farman received a heavy backlash from the oppositions as well as from the people. Therefore hardly any social distancing norms were followed during festivals.

For detailed protocols issued by MHA to be followed till January 31, 2021 click on the link below:

https://covidindia.org/current-rules-and-regulations/

People's verdict - "Hum nahi sudhrenge, hum mask nahi pehenege aur social distancing toh bhool hi jao"

We Indians are rigid and unmovable. Once we have made up our mind not even our beloved PM can change it. This is a fact. You don't believe me. Okay asks yourself how many times you have cleaned your neighborhood after PM's Swacch Bharat Abhiyan ? (fyi this demands participation of everyone for a clean India)

So even in this COVID-19 scenario the conditions remain the same. A large chunk of population hesitate to wear masks after the Unlock, forget social distancing. Still they do wear when they enter any building which won't allow them without masks. But outside the building they don't even care to put it on.

The worst effected places which totally ignores social distancing are the fast food joints, the rations shops, bus stops, etc. They can become the source of new infections.

A still from a departmental store post-UNLOCK

Under the wave of infection, a high rise in marriages was seen last year. Despite knowing that COVID-19 infection has spread through wedding attendees in the past. Still we heard and saw a large number of wedding taking place throughout the country. And my community had the most I guess. Some gatherings were small which I appreciate and sadly some were so lively full of people. At many places social distancing was mocked, masks were nowhere to seen. I don't get it what was the dire need to get married in such a bad situation. Still you know we are a rigid population. So don't expect better.

safety measures taken during a wedding function in times of COVID-19

It's been 9 months since COVID-19 outbreak and still we haven't normalized the basic protocols of safety. And also one thing that bugs me is most of us hesitate to undergo RT-PCR test for COVID-19 detection, even when the symptoms are indicative of the same. But why? This may be because of a variety of reasons:

• Financial
• social stigma
• fear of getting positive test result etc.

Some people fear the isolation they will have to face during recovery, some don't trust the health system, some fear the extreme level of infection that is death.

According to me, in situations like this we should keep aside all this and trust each other because without everyone's cooperation this battle can never be won. 

You would not believe that there are some people who deny the existence of COVID-19. This misinformation is dangerous. They must be educated about the severity of the situation. They should be informed about the importance of social distancing, quarantine, testing and how these methods can be helpful against the virus.

So, I urge everyone to wear masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing at all costs. The battle against COVID-19 is far from over. Don't give up now. May God bless INDIA.

"We are all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving."

- Kingsley Shackelbolt