By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: As the lockdown restrictions have been relaxed people in Kashmir have once again started believing that pandemic is over. But that is not the case.
An expert while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The Covid cases have declined and mortality rate has also come down but that doesn’t mean that the pandemic has ended.”
He said, “There is every possibility about a third wave breaking out and engulfing the Valley. People need to be cautious. They need to follow the Covid appropriate behavior to remain safe. It’s unfortunate that we are once again witnessing a huge rush in the markets and shopping complexes. Despite gardens and parks being closed, people are gathering on roads. They are giving a notion that normalcy has been restored and they have developed enough immunity to fight the virus.”
A medico said, “During the past two years we have observed that Covid virus gets mutated and raises its ugly head with renewed ferocity. As on date, many people are fighting Covid in the hospitals, and many have been caught in the post Covid complications. Things are far from normal.”
He said, “At present the vaccination drive is being carried out everywhere and people need to give up hesitancy and get a jab. It’s unfortunate that medicos are facing resentment from the people and in a few places they are being even threatened.”
He said, “The second wave of COVID-19 has taught us many things. If we don’t learn from our mistakes we will once again end up in a mess. People should realize that there is no cure for COVID-19 and if they don’t take precautions they will end up getting infected.”
It’s in place to mention here that soon after the first wave of COVID-19 had subsided last year, people had thought the pandemic was over but its resurgence this year has proven beyond doubt that the virus has not gone. “The virus will not go away until we develop herd immunity. It cannot be developed by visiting malls and crowding markets. We have to wear masks, avoid social gatherings and wash our hands regularly. These are the basics which we need to follow,” said a doctor.
He said, “During the past two years we have seen healthy people losing their lives within a few days as COVID-19 is a deadly virus with no cure. The vaccines are protective shields which can guard us against getting infected. We need to understand that there is still a long way to go and COVID-19 has not been defeated yet.”