Ignoring precautions responsible for surge in COVID-19 cases, deaths: DAK

Srinagar, Jul 7: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday said people in Kashmir valley are ignoring recommended precautions which is responsible for surge in cases and deaths due to the novel Coronavirus.
“People are showing complete disregard to health guidelines,” DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan said.
He said they are mingling freely and are not wearing face masks. “People have started thronging public parks, gardens and picnic spots. Playing fields are full, roads are chock-a- block with traffic and markets are crowded,” he added.
Dr Hassan said such irresponsible behavior has unleashed a new wave of the virus which is killing people. “Lifting lockdown and reopening economic activities doesn’t mean that the pandemic is over. It is understandable that people are tired of stay at home and want to get on with their life - they are tired of wearing face masks particularly when it is hot outside. And people are weary of distancing with friends and family members,” he said.
However, he said it is important to know that the virus can become dangerous if people abandon safety measures. “With no vaccine, these measures are the only effective tools to tackle the virus,” he said.
Dr Hassan said most of the population in Kashmir is susceptible to Covid-19 infection and letting down the guard would mean that we are going to see more people to become ill and many will die. “We are in a critical phase of pandemic. Every month of renewed vigilance is crucial - limiting transmission for a few more months could make a huge difference in illnesses and deaths,” he said.
The DAK president said people should continue to follow social distancing norms and wear face mask when in public. “We should shun the attitude where rules are followed only if they are enforced,” he said.
“If people are not careful and don’t act responsibly, the situation will spin out of control. We will lose both the economy and the lives,” he added.