Amid Covid - 19, CLEANLINESS - OUR VITAL INHERITANCE in DEMOCRACY

CLEANLINESS -   OUR VITAL INHERITANCE in DEMOCRACY

The aphorism, ''Cleanliness is next to Godliness'' is the rallying cry in the air in the present scenario. On a practical level, it is related to hygiene and disease prevention. Maintaining hygiene does not necessarily mean keeping ourselves clean, it includes our house, neighbourhood, city as well as our surroundings. As responsible citizens we can contribute more towards our environment as cleanliness has more of a cultural and social impact on society as a whole.

COVID-19? is? a disease? caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. It is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person generated through coughing and sneezing. Individuals can also be infected from  touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth) There is no vaccine currently available for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care from a healthcare provider can make the disease less dangerous.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO STAY SAFE

 

1. Wash our hands frequentlyWashing our hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on our hands.

2. Maintain social distancing - Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between ourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth - Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to our eyes, nose or mouth thereby enter our body.

4. Practice respiratory hygiene - Follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering our mouth and nose with our bent elbow or tissue when we cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

5. If we have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, we should seek medical care early - Stay home if we feel unwell. If we have a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, we should seek medical attention and call in advance and follow the directions of our local health authority.

6. Stay informed and follow advice given by our healthcare provider.

We are collectively facing a Pandemic threat that is sweeping across the humanity beyond oceans and borders. It's a call to exhibit our responsibility and solidarity, as nations united and as people united.

STAYING INDOORS CAN BE FUN!

As children need to stay home? due to the outbreak, it is very challenging for parents to keep their days as routine and scheduled as possible.

Here are a few tips that can help:

·   Read books with your child. It's not only fun, but reading together strengthens your bond with your child and helps their development.

·   Make time for active play. Bring out the blocks, balls, jump ropes and buckets and let the creativity go. Play games that kids of all ages can play, like tag or duck goose. Let your kids make up new games. Encourage older kids to make up a workout or dance to keep them moving.

·   Keep an eye on media time. Whenever possible, play video games or go online with your child to keep that time structured and limited. If kids are missing their school friends or other family, try video chats to stay in touch.

·   Remind children that researchers and doctors are learning as much as they can, as quickly as they can, about the virus and are taking steps to keep everyone safe. It's the right time to teach them personal hygiene.


Explore More Indoors!


1.  Start a virtual book club! Choose a book and start an online chat with your friends.

2.  Play games indoors – teach them some games that were played during your childhood.

3.  Try a new recipe or make dinner as a family; find recipes and tips for cooking with children safely.

4.  Read a chapter in a book together and discuss the characters and plot and ask questions to encourage critical thinking.

5.  Pop some popcorn and cuddle up for a movie marathon.

6.  Turn up the volume and have a family dance party!

7.  Make a scrapbook of souvenirs from a previous vacation.

8.  Get the creativity flowing! Give your kids art supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, markers, or paints to create show pieces for your home. Put the artwork on your fridge or hang them around your house and host your very own art show.

And here's something we need to keep in mind. We are all in this together. As we keep a distance from each other physically, we need to stay close emotionally. We can do anything if we do it together.'' The same is true of defeating coronavirus. For the sake of lives lost and the rest of humanity, let us all pledge to beat Corona back.
Demonstrating grace under pressure is the best prescription for getting through this. And, if we treat each other with kindness and empathy, we will.

Credits : Nalini Sridhar

Education Officer, English

BVM Global Educational Trust.