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The festival of lights Diwali is around the corner but the probability of a third wave sweeping in is still there. Even though there is a decline in the number of COVID cases, people should not take likely the spread of the disease and should follow precautionary measures to keep the disease at bay. With so many countries reporting a surge in the coronavirus cases, we definitely don't want to invite the third wave to our country by neglecting the rules and precautions necessary to control the pandemic. So, our celebrations this year need to have a different outlook. Ahead of Diwali, we talked to Dr Charu Dutt Arora, COVID expert and Head of the department for Home Care at Asian Institute of Medical Sciences (Faridabad) to understand the risk and how to keep your family during COVID times.
For most of us, it's almost impossible to imagine Diwali without hosting the annual cards party for our relatives and friends. The traditional dressing, the sweets, yummy delights,lighting diyas, dancing to the Bollywood numbers and playing cards- these all encompass our annual celebrations before the festival. However, Dr Dutt Arora suggests that we need to be "very cautious while planning gatherings at home. It's the party season of the year, but unfortunately we are still fighting the pandemic. Any public gathering in a closed environment can turn out to be a super-spreader event. If weather permits, plan an outdoor gathering. Make sure all the guests are vaccinated and follow all hand hygiene guidelines."
Diwali is not just about partying with friends. For many of us who live outside their hometowns, it is the time of travelling back to your family. Travelling from one city to another comes with a risk of spreading infection. Make sure you follow local guidelines of quarantine and avoid travelling from a high risk zone. In case you have any symptoms of infection such as fever, cough or headache, inform the doctor immediately.
Dr Charu says, "Some high-risk activities such as shopping in malls/crowded markets, hosting a large indoor gathering, not wearing masks in public places should be definitely avoided. We still encourage everyone to maintain social distancing and greet their loved ones virtually as much as possible. Make sure that we keep our high-risk population of elderly and who suffer from other co-morbid conditions safe this festive season."
Have a safe and a happy Diwali!