Dr Mandeep Kaur
Over the last few months, life has drastically changed around the world. COVID-19 pandemic caused so much damage and has brought with it a wave of negative outcomes, terrible illness and death. While dealing with it, the world learned many lessons and it’s important to prepare ourselves for any possible future pandemics.
Trade some of your freedom for the greater good of the public
There’s no doubt that it is has been difficult staying home, feeling bored and aimless. Some might even feel that it’s a breach of their individual right, being made to stay home. However, when it comes to the greater good, one should always be willing to sacrifice a little bit of that freedom.
Wash your hands, whether there’s a virus or not
General hygiene is always important. Not just when there is a virus. You should know the drill by now. Wet your hands. Lather them with soap. Scrub for 20 seconds. Rinse off. Dry with a clean towel. It really is the best way to keep safe including use of sanitizers.
Working from home
During this time many people learned that their jobs were possible to do from home. Once the virus outbreak ends, it might be worth having a chat with your boss about working from home possibilities when necessary. Most jobs have certain amount of work that can be done remotely.
Taking that sick day could save lives
If you are feeling sick, just stay home. Lots of people feel like their office environment doesn’t encourage taking sick days. Many people want to appear like martyrs to their managers. If you are sick, just stay home.
Internet should be a basic right
The right to Internet access should be considered a human right. People unable to get online lack meaningful ways to influence the global players to shape their everyday lives. During times like these, it is important to be able to contact family, friends and work from home if necessary. Internet is the only way to do so.
Doctors and researchers need to be paid better
This scary time has taught us that doctors and researchers will be the ones who get us out of this mess. They are the ones working day and night to drive the recovery of the world. At the moment, hundreds of scientists scramble to find a coronavirus treatment. We need to re-evaluate how much money actors and politicians make and instead pay scientist and doctors the salary they deserve.
Everyone should know how to cook
Learning how to cook is one of the most important skills a person can have. It teaches you self-sustainability and you save a lot of money. These days, hundreds of people sharing social media posts of their delicious meals. Now many people are taking healthy food and avoiding junk food to boost immunity.
The importance of talking to friends every day
Now that we can’t go out and keep busy, the best way to combat loneliness is to be in regular contact with friends and family, by chatting over the phone or video chatting. Don’t forget human connection, long talks and deep conversations during these crucial times.
Learn to appreciate nature
If you live near a spacious outdoor, like the desert or an empty road lined with trees and you realise it’s the only safe, surface-less space to take a walk in, then you begin to realise the beauty of nature. When you do leave your home, make sure to wipe down any surfaces you come into contact with, avoid touching your face and frequently wash your hands.
Learn how to be content alone
It’s so hard for some people to just be still and do nothing. Social distancing can be very difficult, but it can also teach you a lot about yourself. You learn how to keep yourself busy. Your body and mind is your home and you have to learn how to love it and live with it.
Transparency: All the countries should maintain transparency with the other countries, especially in this kind of virus situations and needs to share important information as soon as possible. Decisive leadership, effective communication, global solidarity and accountability are also vital.
(The author is Assistant Professor Dept of Oral Pathology and Microbiology Indira
Gandhi Govt Dental College, Jammu)
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