Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 25: News about the COVID-19 vaccine coming soon has made people optimistic about pandemic ending soon.
There are reports that the vaccine is on cards but till now the government has not given any hint about its pricing. “Ones who can afford won’t mind paying for it but the ones who cannot may remain without getting vaccinated,” said an expert.
He said, “The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all and everyone should get it. If the government cannot provide it free it should at least make it affordable for the common people. Masses are eagerly waiting for the COVID cure to come and no one can be deprived of it.”
It’s in place to mention here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently asked the States to remain prepared for administering COVID vaccines to the people, but he warned of the possible side effects.
An official said, “We have got the directions from the higher ups to put adequate infrastructure in place to store the COVID vaccines as these require extremely low temperatures for storage.”
He said, “We are hopeful that by early next year supply will start arriving and the wait will end. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Kashmir the administration has been on toes but we have succeeded in controlling the infection to a great extent.”
A medico said, “The advent of winter has increased our anxiety. We don’t know how the virus will behave in coming days. Delhi and Punjab witnessing another wave of COVID-19 are not a good news. We are hoping that the new wave spares Kashmir as things will become difficult in chilly weather conditions in the Valley.”
He said, “Arrival of the vaccine will prove to be a big respite for everyone. People have been struggling continuously for the past nine months as the virus has behaved erratically since the outbreak of the pandemic. The news about COVID vaccine being in final stages has made people optimistic about the worst being over. But the common people should bear in mind that sanitizers, masks and social distancing cannot be avoided. These are three mantras which need to be followed even after the vaccine comes.”
Another medico said, “The guard cannot be lowered. People have to be extra cautious. It’s just a matter of one or two months before they will get the protection and can carry on with their daily chores without any fear of the virus. The cure has been found. Now, only the execution part is pending.”