Only together we can fight 3rd wave of Corona (by Ashu Agarwal)
During the 2nd wave of corona, we saw a total chaos all around and witnessed helplessly, the demise of many loved ones. The government authorities were busy in claiming that they are the best in administration and they even claimed of clocking some world records. None accept their faults because they do not want to give opposition parties any ammunition for elections. Maybe we had an excuse to say that it caught us unaware and unprepared, but the same excuse cannot be repeated every time.
An aware citizen must have by now noticed that there is an absolute lack of will, lack of administrative abilities and lack of infrastructure. The authorities may have done their best with limited staff and infrastructure but who would not do it when there is fire all around. The preventive steps weren’t taken well in time and with strong resolve. It seems that they had different priorities. Still, we don’t see them preparing for 3rd wave in the warlike manner that it should.
Anyways, what happened in the past should be a lesson for us. Now, we are aware that 3rd wave is just around the corner. It is just a matter of time. The probability is quite high because people are behaving in same way as prior to 2nd wave. Moreover, vaccination drive is way too slow. We are also sure that we will get the same poor treatment from government authorities and we will be left on our own. Local MLAs, Councillors or representatives of local bodies are totally missing from ground. During election time, they remain in touch with RWAs and other local groups, deface our house walls with their life time images and promise the Moon. Anyways, criticism aside, we have an extremely important matter to deal with.
As we know that the main cause of devastating 2nd wave was lack of vaccination and not following corona appropriate behaviour. I expect that we will be on our own this time also, as government authorities are busy in upcoming elections. Let’s take the reins in our own hands and stop looking for support from others, but start giving support to others. We can do many things, like
o Avail the first possibility to vaccinate yourself, be it private or government. Don’t delay it even by a single day to save some bucks. Then, help or facilitate all under privileged ones around you. Don’t even hesitate to finance them. Time is the key.
o Create awareness around you to wear masks properly. If you see that people who do not have proper masks, don’t hesitate in giving a helping hand.
o Don’t put your mask off while talking. Be vigilant, if others do it.
o Create awareness around you in keeping distance with each other, especially in markets and lifts.
o Keep medical kit with relevant medicines and equipment ready. We know that timely identification of symptoms is the key. Each day’s delay will infect your lungs more and reduce your chances of recovery.
o If you stay in a housing society, train the manager and guards regularly. Motivate them and monitor them frequently.
o Keep sanitizing multiple touch points, like lift buttons and jhoolas etc.
Keep all necessary emergency numbers handy. Also keep numbers of doctors, hospitals, ambulance, grocery shops and chemists etc. handy.
Ashu Agarwal, Dwarka, New Delhi
