LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Open Umbrellas Can Help Maintain Social Distance

Right from the moment COVID-19 started spreading to almost all parts of the world, social distancing became one of the most popular recommendations, apart from hand washing and wearing of face mask. A study published in the Lancet reveals that maintaining physical distance of at least one metre can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 82 per cent. Every additional one-metre distance to the original one metre more than doubled the protection. Such is the importance of social distancing, which is usually neglected. Kerala is one of the few states which has effectively checked the spread of the infection. It is understood that the Kerala government distributed free umbrellas to citizens, even before the rains started, in order to maintain social distancing. It is pertinent to note that two open umbrellas can help maintain a distance of more than one metre between two individuals depending on the size of the umbrellas. More importantly, open umbrellas can help maintain physical distancing all around a person carrying it. The monsoon has set in Goa. People in the state will be moving with open umbrellas to protect themselves from the rain. This, in turn, will help maintain social distancing. It would be advisable for the citizens to open their umbrellas even if it is not raining and when they are moving in the market with the sole aim of maintaining physical distancing. 

ADELMO FERNANDES, VASCO

Replace Old Electricity Conductors In Arpora

First of all, I eulogise linemen, assistant linemen and junior engineer for their service efficiency in Arpora Nagoa village jurisdiction. Apart from performing their duty, these linemen carry out electricity repair works in torrential rain in the nights with the help of van lights. Due to powerful breeze on Wednesday, some power conductors had fallen down at various places in the village. The linemen restored power supply by 10.30 pm with hard efforts. I request the village panchayat of Arpora Nagoa to conduct a survey, in association with the electricity office, of old electricity conductors in the village and send a proposal to government to replace the conductors.

RAJESH BANAULIKAR, ARPORA

COVID-19: Don’t Frighten Children, Make Them Feel Safe

I feel that the panic being displayed by many people in our society right now regarding the COVID-19 scare may be causing more harm than good. What is the message we are sending to our children? I have heard of children being scared and confused by what is happening around them. It must be horrible for the young ones, who do not understand why they cannot go to the swimming pool, movie theatre, school etc. Some parents are running around like maniacs, grabbing everything in sight with no consideration for anyone else. The message being sent to our children is one of ridiculous selfishness, greed, lack of empathy and utter fear. Are we not supposed to nurture our children and make them feel safe? Right now, the children are being traumatised by the fear of the unknown and by their own fear-mongering parents.

JUBEL D’CRUZ, MUMBAI