Is “it” over? Is this ‘the end”?

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end

This epic rock song from ‘The Doors’ was mostly reserved for the grand finale of some of their concerts in the late ’60s.

So, is it the end of the pandemic, this (hopefully) once in a life time event of this century? Or are we just tired of the restrictions on our lives, fatigued from being fearful, exhausted from being on guard? We just want it all to end… Not us, just the pandemic.

The pandemic will be gone, when ‘panic’ is removed from peoples. (Pan-demos = Pandemic). A virus, any virus, cannot be allowed to dictate to humanity , can it? So what do we do? This post is for those of us who are not disease epidemiologists, for those of us who know naught about communicable diseases, for those of us who are as concerned as anyone else. I am all three, so you can take me at face value and assign credibility to what I am dreaming of.

Pragmatism and practicality should rule the day. However, to err on the side of caution, to live to fight another day, is not cowardly or foolhardy…. It is wise.

In an ideal world, this is what I would do….. (Disclaimer: While complying with Govt guidelines of course)

I would wear a mask when I am in close quarters with others , indoors. I would wear this mask to cover my nose and mouth. I would not be wearing this mask in the belief that this mask would safeguard me, as then I would have to wear this mask consistently throughout the day, tightly fitting with nary a gap, taped to my skin, to not allow any air to enter or exit from the sides. Realistically, I would be wearing this mask out of courtesy to others, when indoors. When outdoors, while exercising, or while not in close proximity to others, I would not wear a mask.

While preferring to greet everyone with folded hands (Namaskar), I would shake hands with those I like and respect, if they would want to shake hands with me. I would shake hands just to quench that longing of two years of pandemic restrictions, for the physical contact of personal interaction. And then after shaking hands, I would ensure that I would not touch my nose or eyes or mouth, without having first washed my hands.

I would not be obsessed with washing hands or using sanitizers. I would instead, focus on not touching my eyes, nose or mouth through the day, unless my hands were washed beforehand.

When touching high contact common surfaces such as the toilet flush, door handles or lift buttons, I would use my knuckles to press buttons or push surfaces. I would wash my hands before eating or drinking and before touching my eyes, nose or mouth.

When in a car, with others, I would keep the windows down, and the AC vent directed at me. I would prefer to sit at the window if a passenger on a vehicle.

When indoors with others, I would pay attention to ventilation and air circulation. I would prefer to keep windows open and the fan on. I would not switch off the AC if I am feeling cold. Instead I would keep the blower on, and figure something out for air changes and air circulation in the room.

I would meet my friends and family often. Just like any other human being , this pandemic has taught me the value of friends and family. I would prefer to meet them and hang out with them outdoors. Choose to meet, eat and make merry at outdoor venues.

I would choose to exercise in some form or the other, on most, if not all days of the week, for at least 30 minutes. I would choose to eat wisely, and make healthy food choices. I would eat in moderation, I would drink less and enjoy more. I would not consume any form of tobacco at all. I would meditate and do deep breathing exercises daily. I would be grateful for life, every day.

Here is a brief note for you to consider downloading and circulating amongst your friends , family and neighbours, and sharing with the management committee in your society. Or else, you can simply share this Blog post on social media.

Think Safe, Act Safe, Stay safe.