3rd wave can be severe if Covid SOPs not followed: Doctors

Srinagar May 1: As the administration in Kashmir has ordered partial re-opening of lockdown, the doctors have cautioned against any complacency stating the adherence of Covid appropriate behavior and vaccination is the only solution to prevent the third wave of Covid in the region.

As the businesses, public transport has partially resumed in areas outside the containment zone, the doctors have stressed on following of Covid guidelines particularly the need to come forward for vaccination against the novel coronavirus.

   

Head of Department, Pulmonary diseases and Internal Medicines, SKIMS, Prof Rafi Jan said the battle against Covid is still on. “There is no option but to get vaccinated and follow Covid appropriate behavior such as wearing of masks, hand washing, social distancing. Opening of markets doesn’t mean the virus has gone, but if we do not follow the guidelines there will be huge repercussions.”

“We have witnessed at many places across the globe where after lifting of lockdown, the number of infections has increased rapidly and also the huge percentage of children are getting infected,” Prof Jan said adding that the need of the hour is to get vaccinated and follow the science rather than paying heed to hearsay.

He said that the religious heads should also come forward to inform them about the guidelines to be followed. “It is unfortunate that people are taking the easing of restrictions as a sign of victory against Covid and flouting guidelines.”

Prof Jan having being at the forefront in the fight against Covid in main tertiary care healthcare institute SKIMS said, “For last 2 years I have seen how this virus is wreaking havoc, we are battling it out each day, therefore my request is to all that they should follow basic guidelines to protect yourselves and families from this disease.”

Senior Critical Care Expert Dr Showkat Shah said that many people think lifting curfew means Covid has ended now. “Remember the pandemic is still there, lifting the curfew does not mean Covid is over. People need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour in letter and spirit.”

“We have to be more mature and responsible. If we will not show maturity and will be lenient, then again a huge number of Covid cases will be there and another lockdown is on the way.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

six − 5 =