PATNA: With fresh
Covid-19 cases spreading their tentacles in the state, doctors have advised revellers to exercise caution on Holi and avoid public gatherings.
Laying emphasis on four safety protocols — wearing mask, using sanitizer, following social distancing norms and washing hands frequently — Patna civil surgeon Dr Vibha Kumar Singh says people should adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour during the festive season. “Throwing caution to the wind will increase the number of Covid cases exponentially,” she warns.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, the nodal officer for Covid at the
All India Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna, also urges people to hold subdued Holi celebrations. He says, “Maintaining social distancing is mandatory for all, but people above the age of 50 years are at a higher risk of getting infected with Covid.”
Suggesting a way to stay safe amid the pandemic, ENT specialist Dr Ravi Shankar points out, “Since the virus usually enters one’s body through the mouth and the nose, one should not smear colours and ‘gulal’ on people’s faces.”
General physician Dr Diwakar Tejaswi advises revellers to play Holi in an open space and shun crowded places.
Many Patnaites are also planning to keep Holi a low-key affair due to the fear of contracting the virus. Homemaker Sushma Singh says, “I have strictly told my children to play Holi in the house and not meet friends.”
While Punaichak resident Anamika Roy will celebrate Holi at home, Rajbanshi Nagar resident Sanjay Singh will not invite guests this year.
Meanwhile, the
Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has once again urged city residents not to offer items made of plastic to the community bonfire on Holika Dahan on Sunday.
“Burn anything made of plastic, rubber or leather will lead to air pollution,” says BSPCB chairman Ashok Kumar Ghosh.