Friends gathering at parties, people hugging each other and dancing close to each other without getting their temperature checked is ‘normal’ again. Social distancing seems forgotten. Be it at dandiya nights or Durga Puja pandals, the crowds were seen swelling up during the Navratri celebrations. The trend is likely to continue with Diwali melas. While most states in India may have entered an almost coronavirus-free zone, the possibility of another surge due to negligence cannot be overlooked. As immunity wanes, the microscopic villain can come back in full swing and lead to a surge in Covid-19 cases.

The threat of a resurgence of Covid-19 cases looms large as we enter the month of festivities. Some state governments have also asked authorities to tighten vigilance ahead of the festivals. Health Shots spoke to Dr Sanjay Dhall, Director of Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi and Dr Hemlata Arora, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, to understand the chances of witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

Negligence during Diwali festivities may make you susceptible to Covid-19

According to Dr Arora, “There is a good possibility that Covid-19 cases would increase, but the overall Covid infections have been so mild that it is unlikely to cause a lot of serious illnesses. Even though the severity of the cases and overall positivity rate has also decreased, there are a lot of vulnerable people who can get Covid-19. People with long-term illnesses, cancer treatments, steroids, elderly people and children are more susceptible to the ill effects of Covid-19 even if the lung infection, inflammation and blood clots have reduced significantly.”

Experts point out that even though cases of Covid-19 may have decreased in India, particularly in national capital Delhi, daily cases of coronavirus cannot be ignored.

“Covid-19 has not gone yet. During the festivities, people are more likely to get infected. It is important not to lower your guard. Be careful, especially during Diwali and Christmas festivities. I request and urge people to take precautionary measures against Covid to lower the chances of getting infected with the virus,” says Dr Dhall.

Precautions to reduce Covid-19 risk

With safety becoming the subject of utmost importance during the festivities, it is essential to protect oneself from Covid-19. Here are the precautions you should take during the festivities and otherwise:

* Don’t forget to keep a sanitiser handy
* Wear a mask at all times, and only remove it when necessary
* Maintain social distancing
* Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
* Wash your hands frequently
* Avoid going to closed and crowded places
* Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C
* Get the precautionary booster pose

Safety against Covid

With the festive season here, safety should be at the top of your priority list. When we talk about safety, we mean more than just injury prevention. You must protect yourself and your loved ones from the coronavirus, which has already taken away so much from the world.

Disciplined behaviour would make it easier to limit the emergence of new strains as well.