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Culture & Living
A core member of the Indian COVID-19 task force shares how to safely leave your home right now
“The locking was a science and unlocking is an art—one needs to be cautious and not reckless, as this is a smart virus,” says Padma Shri recipient, Dr Shashank R Joshi. Here's what you need to know now
After three months of being in a lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, India started opening up during Unlock 1.0—businesses apart from essential services were allowed to open now, people could leave their homes between 5AM to 9PM and restaurants were back in business for delivery and takeouts. In this period, however, people were asked to maintain social distancing as we had not yet won the battle against COVID-19 and to take the necessary precautions while moving out of homes. Vogue spoke to Dr Shashank R Joshi, a Padma Shri awardee, dean at Indian College of Physicians and a core team member of the COVID-19 task force, on how to safely move out of your homes and keep you and your family safe during this tricky phase.
Now that people can move out of their homes, what precautions do we need to keep in mind?
To ensure that they don't catch the infection, every person needs to practise SMS. The first ‘S’ stands for sanitiser or soap and water, ‘M’ stands for mask and the second ‘S’ stands for social distancing. Coronavirus is not just an airborne disease, so, we have to make sure that our eyes, mouth, nose have no contact with it, as the virus not only spreads through coughing, sneezing, etc, but [can spread] through surfaces. We call them ‘high touch points’… door knobs, electric buttons, lift buttons etc. and that's why you need to practise SMS.
The locking was a science and unlocking is an art—one needs to be cautious and not reckless, as this is a smart virus. My warning to people who are choosing to ignore precautions: it's okay to feel liberated, but it should not cost you your life. So, follow ‘SMS’ and take the necessary precautions.
Single-use or reuseable: which masks should we be using right now? Is there a way to sanitise or clean your masks?
It depends on the type of job you do and the kind of environment you're in. If you're in a high risk profession, for instance, in healthcare or essentials services, it is mandatory to use N-95 masks in [your work] environment. However, if you're in a low-contact profession, a simple cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth will do. Ideally, one-time-use are safer.
You can sanitise and reuse your N-95 mask. You need to wash and iron it, and its preferred if you reuse it after five-six days. Wash your cloth masks separately on a daily basis or after every use. It's very important to iron the mask, as ironing kills any bacteria that could have been left after washing.
What is the right way to use a mask?
While using a mask, you need to remember that it should not become moist. The minute the masks becomes moist, discard it immediately. Also remember, the mask should cover the nose and mouth completely. If you don't wear the mask in a correct manner, then it is doing more damage than good. If you are wearing a good quality N-95 mask and you come in contact with a coronavirus positive case—the chances of you getting infected is less than 2.5 per cent, keeping in mind that you were wearing it in the correct manner and constantly observing other precautions.
What is actually essential gear to have on when leaving the house?
Practise ‘SMS’ and wear safety goggles if a face shield is not available. If you're in Mumbai—an umbrella is essential. An umbrella will not only save you from the rain, but will also help you maintain social distancing in a crowded city like Mumbai.
One thing to remember when heading out of your house is not to carry multiple gadgets, as one of the largest spreaders of COVID-19 is the mobile phone. People may not realise it, but when you are outside, you are constantly touching surfaces and then your phone. Don't use your mobile phone outside if you can help it, and opt for handsfree, wireless headphones to take calls.
Should people be wearing gloves?
It all depends on the profession and environment. For instance, if you work in an environment like grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, where you are in constant touch with people and surfaces, it's best to have gloves on as you may not be able to wash your hands often enough. However, most people find it difficult to wear gloves, and tend to touch their eyes, face, and nose more while wearing them. Another thing that happens is that people who are wearing gloves get complacent, and don't sanitise often enough. Except for the mentioned scenarios, try to avoid gloves, and if you are wearing gloves, take the same precautions that you would if you weren't wearing gloves them.
Can you wear a mask while working out?
Yes, it can get uncomfortable to work out with a mask on. But it's incorrect to say that you shouldn't be wearing a mask while exercising. If you have a mask with a proper breathing port in it, you should be fine. If you absolutely cannot wear a mask, my suggestion would be to maintain a two metre distance from people at every given point.
What is the one thing you would recommend to readers to help them stay positive during the time?
With the help of doctors, the virus in your body can be tackled. But the virus in your mind, or anxiety will actually cause you to falter and make mistakes. My advice to everybody is to learn to live in the times of the virus, be mindful, try to sleep well—for at least eight hours, practise yoga and stay cheerful.
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