’Tis the season to be jolly Stay home, or celebrate?

As Omicron cases increase every day across the country, the big question is whether or not we need to return to old pandemic laws. Do we stay home for New Year’s Eve this year, or celebrate, without forgetting the Covid-19 protocol?

Caution is good but let people celebrate- Rachana Prasad (Founder - Managing Trustee – Chiranthana, NGO working with special needs children and adults)

At this time last year, COVID- 19 had killed over 1.8 million people across the globe. Over 82 million had been infected. The pandemic was devastating, leaving us in despair, pain and shock. We were pushed into a corner and believed that all was over. We were, engulfed by fear. Just as it appeared to be winding down, the first variant appeared and we were all terrified once more.

The latest mutation is Omicron, which was declared by WHO as a ‘variant of concern’, given its high transmissibility rate. Again, we were panic-stricken. Is it going to result in another round of lockdowns and isolation? I plead not!

Just like last year, 2021 was marked by grief and loss. As it comes to an end, why don’t we enter the New Year with high spirits and optimism? Don’t we deserve to welcome 2022 with a bang?

India has always carried viruses like Nipah, Typhoid, Influenza, Dengue, Chickenpox, Chikungunya and so on. Most of the viruses we know are carried by humans but for how long can we remain confined to our homes, losing the present moment over a virus that might affect us?

People have undergone immense psychological trauma during COVID-19, this is well known. The nature of the viruses is such that it has left no stone unturned. Even those who locked themselves into their homes have been infected, leaving them wondering how on earth it could have happened. But that is the nature of the virus.

Appropriate COVID-19 prevention measures are essential to tackle the threat posed by Omicron. This includes creating awareness, training professionals and prompt reporting by every citizen through stringent measures on ground. Avoiding parties and public gatherings is not the only way.

Why can’t we celebrate the New Year as an informed citizen? Celebration doesn’t necessarily mean gathering in huge numbers or taking to the streets, causing unnecessary chaos. It means the ability to rejoice and welcome the future with positivity, despite the struggles we have had to face as a country and not let the past define us.

Why can’t we catch up with a small circle of friends and extended family? To all my friends out there – go out and have fun but remember the importance of caution. Don’t slack on your responsibilities as a citizen but be fearless as you set out to conquer the New Year. It reminds me of a saying by the philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius - “Do not be perturbed, for all things are according to the nature of the universal; and in a little time, you will be nobody and nowhere”.

Why court disaster? Stay home- Dr. Vidya V Bhat (Medical Director RadhaKrishna Multispeciality Hospital)

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner – it’s an exciting time of year. And just as we always have, we can expect a mad rush of people assembling in each other’s homes or at hotels to celebrate.

However, these are not normal times and the pandemic, which has taken hundreds of thousands lives in India, still hasn’t gone away. It lurks in the background. Worse, new strains of Coronavirus are emerging around the world, which have the potential to spread rapidly. It will be a mistake for us to let our guards down now.

In order to avoid the disastrous situation that arose due to the second wave of Covid-19 only a few months ago, there is an urgent need for the public to avoid large gatherings, parties, parades, exhibitions, theatres, malls and Christmas and New Year party celebrations. The government should come forth with regulatory measures and also, to ensure the strict enforcement of Covid-19 protocol.

Every individual is advised to follow infectionprevention protocols for their own safety. People should get vaccinated on priority. Masks are a cheap and effective tool against coronavirus. Use them regularly to keep yourself and others safe. Practice social distancing and maintain a minimum of six feet from other people. Wash your hands frequently and use a sanitiser when you’re outside your house. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily, as this may lead to spread of infection.

Do not self-medicate if you develop symptoms of Covid-10. Head to a doctor to get yourself tested. Most of all, avoid unnecessary travel or stepping out of your home without any compelling reason. This year, spend the festive season with family at home. Stay safe!<