New Delhi: The festival season has started and plans have been put in place by the government for a countrywide campaign to persuade behavioural change in people to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases.
We asked our readers: How can we ensure we don’t drop our ‘Covid guard’ during the festival season?
Here is what some of them said:
‘We mustn’t drop our guard assuming the virus won’t affect us’
During the festive season we will have to double down on the need for precautionary and preventive measures against Covid-19, such as social distancing, mask wearing, hand hygiene etc. as respiratory diseases tend to get worse during this period. Lower temperatures and low relative humidity accelerate the virus’ transmission.
Some of the SOPs that we must follow to curtail the infection are —
Crowding in public areas must be avoided. Festive activities should be banned in containment zones. For holding events, planners should identify spatial boundaries and prepare a detailed site plan to facilitate compliance with thermal screening, distancing and frequent sanitisation. Close circuit cameras should be considered to monitor compliance.
In case of rallies and processions, route planning, ensuring a cap on numbers, physical distancing etc. must be planned and measures for enforcement must be outlined.
Arrangement of safe drinking water with disposable cups must be made. In religious places, touching of statues/idols/ holy books should not be allowed. Choirs/singers should not be allowed. Only recorded devotional music should be played.
India’s fight against Covid-19 is people-driven. We must remain vigilant and not drop our guard against the virus on the assumption that it will not affect us.
Sandeep Wanchoo, Gurgaon. Twitter: @swanchoo
‘Take precautions, don’t let Covid ruin festivals’
We know that the festival season is approaching and Covid-19 is still a big threat to human beings. Still we can celebrate our festivals by making sure we don’t drop our ‘Covid guard’.
We can definitely meet our family and friends, and enjoy the occasions but let’s make sure that we do not overlook the precautionary measures. Masks and sanitizers should be compulsory whenever people meet each other. Avoid removing masks frequently. Maintain a comfortable distance between two people. Make sure to not touch high-contact things frequently. We should ensure these minimum safety standards on individual levels and adapt to this new normal because let’s not allow coronavirus to ruin our festival season.
Tanmay Ingale, Kalyan, Maharashtra. Twitter: @tanmayingale10
‘Address from PM, selling masks along with crackers’
With Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali to come in the next few days, carelessness with respect to Covid-19 is a huge concern. Also, it has been predicted that the number of cases might surge in winter. So, what should be done to make sure people are still aware of the situation? An address from the Prime Minister can surely help in this cause, although many don’t take him seriously these days. Also, all shops/stalls selling items related to the festivals must be told to sell masks alongside crackers, pooja items, idols etc. NCC cadets in markets making people aware can leave a lasting mark on people too.
Nimit Arora, Kanpur. Twitter: @nimitarora1991
‘Incentives can be given to volunteers for creating awareness’
At the outset, one mustn’t, in any case, underestimate the seriousness of the pandemic. The government has come up with comprehensive SoPs and protocols, including restricted entries, capping numbers, cameras to monitor, presence of ambulances, making strategies etc for big rallies and gatherings, as well as awareness drives targeting various sections of the society through social media. But I feel the focus must also be on ‘Covid-warriors’. They shouldn’t just be used according to convenience in campaigns. Given the pressure that is likely to continue on them, with a spurt in cases, their woes must be addressed. Besides, strict surveillance should be ensured. Local authorities can also contemplate on creative incentives for volunteers to create and ensure maximum awareness.
Khushi Barman, Jaipur. Twitter: @whatkhushi
‘Let’s decorate our deities with a new accessory — face mask’
Let’s decorate our deities with a new accessory this year — the face mask. Idols of deities worshipped during the festival season are decked with high-value items like ornaments, luxurious fabrics, exquisite flowers. This year, most valuable to us is the face mask. What better way to remind ourselves to always wear one than by putting it on the idol (s) we’ll be praying to throughout the season? Be it in the small shrines at home or at the grand puja pandals, let’s make our deities don masks and stand sufficiently apart from each other to promote social distancing.
Divya Sharma, Noida. Twitter: @divyasharma48
‘Must follow all three elements of Covid-19 protocol’
The festive season has already commenced but the coronavirus pandemic is the biggest challenge for us. People have become tired of the extended restrictions and started taking a lenient view of things, which can be very dangerous. Therefore, ensuring not to drop our ‘Covid guard’ during the festival season has now become a commitment to healthy life. We must make sure that we follow all three elements of the Covid-19 protocol compulsorily (wearing mask, washing hands regularly, and social distancing) in our day-to-day habits.
Arun Mani Tripathi, Varanasi
‘Governments, NGOs, media can launch awareness campaigns’
People need to act responsibly, wear face masks, and avoid crowds. In order to avoid a second wave of Covid-19, it is important for governments at central and state levels, NGOs and the media to campaign to make sure people wear face masks and avoid crowds.
Local authorities such as temple managements, private industries, shops, etc should continue with strict regulations such as compulsory face covering before entering their spaces, etc.
But ultimately it boils down to people acting with responsibility, covering their faces, maintaining social distance, and avoiding crowds. As suggested by many doctors across the world, we need to learn to coexist with the virus and we can stay safe if we follow the guidelines.
Vidyuth Chikoti, San Francisco
‘Need to be more careful now to protect ourselves, families’
The six-month-long lockdown has now made us follow the tenet of ‘jo hogi dekhi jayegi‘, which is quite obvious. Because now, the question is how many days we have to stay away from our loved ones? But the thing is if we have been safe till now that means we were following the protective norms carefully. And we need to be a little more conscious in this festive season to protect us and our family, by following some simple rules like visiting your friends and family on alternative days and going out for shopping when there is less crowd in the market place.
Ravi Kant. Twitter: @ravi_kant0
‘Greet people with a namaste this festive season’
As we head towards the most festive time of the year, it is vital for us to keep in mind the present scenario created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Though the nationwide lockdown has been lifted, we shouldn’t forget the fact that an improvement in the situation doesn’t mean an elimination of the virus. This festive season, as an Indian, we should greet people with a namaste or namaskar, instead of hugs or handshakes. By adhering to the aforementioned, we will promote hygiene, maintain social distancing as well as take cognizance of the Indian culture. Bearing in mind the necessity of masks and sanitizers, we should only step out of the house wearing the former and carrying the latter. Most people think that the mask will disrupt their fancy attire, but there’s a reason why customised masks are now available in the market. However, avoiding crowded places is still at the apex of the list of prohibitions. Nevertheless, one must realise that these festivals occur every year and sacrificing this year of celebration will only supplement to the chances of celebrating the same in the succeeding year. Whether one takes part in the celebrations or not, maintaining the Covid-19 protocols are a must, chiefly in consideration to the vulnerability of the elderly and people with comorbidity. This festive season, be it Navratri, Dussehra, Christmas or the festivities that follow, instead of going to the pandal or church to offer prayers, doing the same at home will lead more blessings come your way as by doing so, you are not just protecting yourself but also saving a million lives.
Yashodhara Kataki. Twitter: @yashodharaKata1
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