Celebrate Diwali in a bubble, doctors say

Diwali is upon us. But this time around, the festival of lights is being celebrated amid a rise in air pollution levels that are leading to another wave in novel coronavirus infections. On this special occasion everyone should follow the three cardinal rules of coronavirus precaution- mask, handwashing and social distancing.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said that the second wave of COVID-19 infections hit the national capital in September this year. He also said that many people think they can recover from the infection but do not consider that they can act as carriers and infect their family members and loved ones.

The Delhi Government is planning to ban firecrackers this Diwali completely. FIR will be filed against anyone found in violation of the ban on firecrackers this Diwali.

Experts repeatedly said that winter season along with a rise in pollution causes a dual problem for the respiratory tract. Doctors are cautioning everyone to keep in mind the pandemic while celebrating Diwali. There are not only more cases of infection but mortality is also higher among pollution-affected patients.

Pollution itself cause inflammation of lungs. A moderate disease can turn severe because of pollution. In the antibody testing done as part of a sero-survey in Delhi, for every asymptomatic COVID-19 patient, there are 20-25 asymptomatic patients.

Doctors also revealed that they are seeing more patients who are asymptomatic in recent days.

One of India’s most renowned surgeons, Mumbai based Dr Hemant Thacker issued an important warning while speaking to India Today that the last three months can produce a wave of COVID-19 infections that can be deadly.

Don’t let the pollution, the cold, the crackers and covid fatigue you. Diwali is a festival of lights. Let the light enlighten each of our mind to be dutiful.