Growing concerns
As Kashmir Valley is witnessing a steep increase in Covid-19 deaths and positive cases various concerns have started to occupy the mind of the common man who has been cornered badly by the pandemic.
Even Valley’s leading pulmonologist last week raised the alarm level by saying that more serious cases of Covid-19 have started to pour in. This concern has grown manifold as more than 200 scientists from 32 nations have written to the WHO, saying there is evidence that the coronavirus is airborne and even smaller particles can infect people.
This disclosure means extra precautions, measures and more importantly a new set of SOP’s for all including a common man as well as a healthcare worker.
Since the clusters of infections are rising globally as people go back to bars, restaurants, offices, markets and casinos, a trend that increasingly confirms that the virus lingers in the air indoors and is infecting those nearby.
Notably, the scientists have written an open letter to the WHO outlining the evidence showing that smaller particles can infect people, and are calling for the agency to revise its recommendations.
As for now, the WHO has long held that the coronavirus is spread primarily by large respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In its latest update dated June 29 on the coronavirus, the WHO said airborne transmission of the virus was possible only after medical procedures that produce aerosols, or droplets smaller than 5 microns.
The guidance that the health agency has given to deal with the virus, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance and frequent hand washing, since the pandemic first broke is based on its claim that the virus spreads through large droplets when an infected person coughs and sneezes.
Since India has already announced lockdown 0.2 wherein many public places will be opening up simultaneously, the alarm signaled by the scientists will create more ripples among the already panicked populace.
If airborne transmission is a significant factor in the pandemic, especially in crowded spaces with poor ventilation, the consequences for containment will be significant. Masks may be needed indoors, even in socially-distant settings as well.
This new phenomenon will also raise alarms for the healthcare workers as well as they will have to ensure stricter compliances when it comes to handling Covid-19 positive cases. Health care workers may need N95 masks that filter out even the smallest respiratory droplets.
Besides, new SOP’s and procedures are to be put in place to ensure a better ventilation systems at all such places that will gradually see opening up in the coming days. This means a greater challenge for the administration here as well which is already grappling with the influx of raised Covid-19 cases.
The new revelations about Covid-19 and its spread also raises many questions pertaining to the conduct of Amarnath pilgrimage as the admin will be more hard pressed for providing healthcare facilities for the pilgrims. It is no secret that the healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir are already under a lot of stress and to deal with the situation a much vibrant system needs to be put into place.
KV Network
