According to latest press reports, corona cases have jumped up by as much as 56 per cent over the last one month in Dhaka exclusively. This is really very regrettable as identification of new cases of corona seemed to be coming down all over the country –albeit slowly– since the end of July. Thus, the spike over the last four weeks or so in the capital city , is indeed a very unfortunate development. All through this pandemic, it was noted that the highest number of cases in the country appeared in Dhaka. First in isolated instances, then in clusters and finally in social transmission cases Dhaka region topped the list. In other areas away from Dhaka city and its adjoining districts, the sway of corona virus appeared ‘relatively’ weaker. Thus, it was thought that bringing down case number significantly in the Dhaka region, would significantly reflect an improved corona related situation in Bangladesh as a whole.
But that hope must have met a cruel disappointment with the news that a 56 per cent leap up in cases was noted over the last one month in Dhaka when the opposite should have been the outcome. And the main reason for this regression is the completely unjustified attitude among different sections of the public here as if the corona virus threat is almost gone and they could ignore safety measures. Looking around in the roads and streets of Dhaka city the scene is plain for everybody to see : hordes of people are seen most uncaringly moving around with no masks and hand gloves, paying scanty or no attention to the need for observing social distancing. Needless to say, this carefree attitude is singularly the reason for the fresh big rise in corona infections in the capital city. In public places, the earlier interest in persuading people to use spray hand sanitizers, is also noted to be waning. Most importantly, hardly activity is seen on the part of policemen and other law and order enforcers to compel people to go for these safety measures if they do not do the same on their own. Therefore, it hardly needs even stating and reminding all of the maxim of ‘ it’s better to be later than never.’ Our administration needs to be sensitized even at this late hour to go all out to ensure that people are obliged to heed thoroughly the personal safety measures during the pandemic. Any further delay in the matter could invite a much greater tragedy of deaths and no alternative but to reimpose lockdown with crushing effects on the economy.
Anyone can contract COVID-19, although certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the virus and requiring hospitalization. Many people who get coronavirus will experience cold- or flu-like symptoms, and some people who get the virus will be completely asymptomatic. But no matter which group you fall into, everyone has a responsibility to limit the spread to other people, especially to those who may develop deadly complications.
Even if you are not worried for your own health, you should remain aware that the novel coronavirus can be fatal . Even if it does not affect you, it may affect your friends, family, colleagues or other people with whom you have relationships — especially those who have any of the high-risk factors . People at high risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 include older adults, pregnant women, people with asthma and HIV, and people with underlying diseases, including heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
“Over 80% of people will have only mild symptoms from COVID-19. Adults who are healthy and active generally do the best. But part of the problem is that young, healthy people can spread the virus to people who will not tolerate it as well as healthy populations.
Physical distancing is a key component to decrease asymptomatic spread. This works by minimizing your risk of being exposed to the virus and, if you are an asymptomatic carrier, you minimize the potential that you infect someone else. Nothing has changed about the way COVID-19 spreads. The coronavirus is spread through respiratory vapor, such as when someone sneezes or coughs into the air around you. It can also spread if someone who is infected sneezes or coughs into their hand, then touches a door handle, light switch and other “high-touch” surfaces.
The number one thing you can do to prevent corona attack is to practice good personal hygiene. Washing your hands correctly — using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds — or using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, still stands as the best way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, according to WHO.
Governments and healthcare workers the world over are all urging people to stay home if they can. Obviously, some people don’t have the luxury of working from home, and people still need to venture out to grocery stores and car fuelling stations. But when you can stay home, do so to flatten the curve. If you do need to leave the house, follow the basic preventative measures.
On top of basic illness prevention, the best (and only real) defense against disease is a strong immune system. Your body is better able to fight off illnesses when your immune system is really humming and everyone should put in an effort to get theirs into tip-top shape.
This is a time to focus on all the health habits you may have been putting off. Start daily activities and food choices that support your health and turn them into habits that will lead to lifelong improvements in health. During this time, get adequate sleep and some fresh air and sunlight daily. Also, stay hydrated, minimize overly processed foods and make sure to eat enough micronutrients when you can (try your best with what you can find at grocery stores right now).
In addition to your physical health, you should take care of your mental health. High stress levels can take a toll on your immune system, which is the opposite of what you want in this situation. If you’re feeling overly anxious about COVID-19, follow tips from a psychotherapist to keep your nerves calm.
