Namaste ji! Stay aloof and stay disinfected. This is the basic mantra to keep the virus at bay in these times of the deadly Covid-19. The noxious coronavirus has spread its tentacles worldwide and the epidemic curve of the outbreak is witnessing alarming spikes in various pockets. It is the solemn duty of every person to take preventive measures that are crucial to containing this highly contagious bug. Public health experts have advocated that social distancing and personal cleanliness hold the key to flattening the curve, along with the quarantining of the suspected cases and isolation of the confirmed patients. India, which is witnessing a rise in the number of people infected in the past few days, has the advantage of learning from the experience of the places where it struck earlier, since December-end.

These steps taken in quick and effective measures made all the difference in reducing the transmission rate of the disease in Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Even China did not allow a repeat of the frightening Wuhan situation — the epicentre of the coronavirus — as it fortified its other cities like Guangzhou from the situation blowing out of control. And, conversely, countries like Italy, Iran or even the US have had to suffer as their health infrastructure buckled under unmanageably large proportions of their populations falling prey to the infection as they failed to take the required precautions.

The Indian government has so far covered itself with glory in tackling the pandemic. Indian citizens stuck in affected areas abroad are being flown in and the health protocol of those exposed or infected is being followed. To curb the spread of the virus, institutions of mass gatherings like schools, colleges, malls and cinema halls are being shut down and large public and sports events are being cancelled. Now, if each individual voluntarily practises social distancing by avoiding weddings, events, places of worship and other crowded places as far as possible, it will give a boost to the programme. We can’t afford to overwhelm hospitals and caregivers with unmanageable numbers of patients. Wash your hands and decontaminate spaces regularly. Spread the message. Keep distance, stay safe. Namaste ji!