Admin evolving joint action-plan to enforce adherence of COVID-19 norms

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 20: People not wearing masks and not adhering to social distancing norms in the COVID-19 times could lead to yet another wave of infections in Kashmir, medicos said on Sunday.
A medico while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It seems people have forgotten that the COVID hasn’t gone yet. Wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing are important part of the protocol that needs to be followed. If people keep on ignoring these SOPs there is every possibility of Kashmir witnessing another wave of infections.”
He said, “There has been a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and fatality count is also dropping but we cannot lower the guard. The vaccine is about to come but the vaccination process is going to be a long one. Till people get vaccinated and develop immunity it’s important for all of us to follow the norms.”
“Experts have warned that the virus can become active in the winter season and the cases can increase. We have to be extra cautious if we want to keep the COVID-19 at bay. The COVID vaccines are in the final trial phases but it will still take time for the protective shields to reach the people,” the medico added.
The Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Mattu in a tweet said that the authorities are mulling action against the people who are not following the COVID-19 norms. “Have noticed that a large number of people are seen in public places and on public transport without masks. Wearing of face masks when you step out of your home is mandatory under COVID-19 guidelines. We are evolving a joint, multi department action-plan to enforce adherence,” Mattu tweeted.
Another medico said, “One more factor which people need to bear in mind is that the patients with underlying conditions already have a compromised immunity and they are the most vulnerable class. If the people around them don’t wear masks they put others at a higher risk of catching the infection as the people with low immunity can catch COVID fast.”
He said that people who are suffering from underlying conditions should restrict their activities till the winter ends and the vaccine comes. “It’s just a matter of a few months before things will fall in place and the pestilence will be almost over. Patience is the key,” he added.
An observer said, “Administration cannot just turn a blind eye. It has to intervene to ensure that people follow the COVID norms till the cure is found.”