Let's be aware and combat the virus

The country is zooming past others in the world in its Corona count. This is not the peak. We have not flattened the curve by any yardstick. It is not easy to do so, as we all have understood by now. We are already two lakh plus in cases though the mortality rate is low. Maharashtra alone is nearly half of this.

Now that the country has opened up, almost fully, it is time we ponder over the crisis and seek solutions to save ourselves. It is not up to the governments alone to wage a war against Corona. People too should realise what they are up to. It is in this background that the latest bulletin of Johns Hopkins University's becomes relevant to us. It is an excellent summary to understand the contagion. Let us share it with everyone and try to spread awareness.

l The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells", the bulletin says.

It should be clear to one and all that since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed. It has to decay on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies, the University says.

The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam cuts the fat. Let us again remember that the virus is not a living organism like bacteria and hence we cannot kill it with antibiotics and no bactericide serves the purpose. It could only quickly disintegrate its structure with everything said.

Social distancing, washing the hands etc., are all good. But, in a vast country like ours and given our living conditions, is it practical to expect people to maintain all those things? There also seems to be a lot of negligence in adhering to the directives given by the Centre. Some State Governments are not conducting enough tests which could be the primary reason for the hike and spike in cases now.

Secondly, asymptomatic patients are being refused tests even if they come into contact with Covid-19 patients. Thirdly, as repeatedly being pointed out in these edits here, dirty politics do not seem to go away even during the pandemic (the latest being Shiv Sena accusing Sonu Sood of being an agent of the BJP). Even if a thousand precautions are taken, it would not be enough to control the virus in the face of our politics.

Let us wake up to the reality. Remember there are not any beds in our hospitals already. Governments' are turning away patients and reserving the beds to 'our own people' - another example of dirty politics. Awareness alone helps us under these circumstances.