The whole world is struggling to battle COVID-19 and there are lockdowns imposed in many countries.
Even in India PM Modi extended the lockdown till 3rd May.
But no one knows for sure when the lockdown will end.
Now the WHO said that the lockdown can be lifted if countries meet the following 6 conditions.
Let me tell you about it.
1. The spread of disease must be controlled.
Even if there are a few cases, they must be managed.
2. The country's healthcare system should also have the ability to test, treat, identify COVID-19 cases and quarantine them.
Countries must swiftly control the virus.
WHO said countries must not only focus only on severe cases and ignore the other cases.
A few cases can then spread and become serious and a lockdown would have to be imposed again.
Hence regardless of the severity all cases must be treated.
3. Places like cities, nursing homes, hospitals are at a higher risk of COVID-19.
The virus can spread very quickly here.
Before lifting the lockdown, countries need to make sure that these places are secure and there are healthcare facilities to control any infections.
4. Strict rules need to be implemented before the lockdown.
When schools & workplaces resume after the lockdown strict rules need to be implemented.
Rules such as physical distancing,
wearing masks, using hand sanitisers and hand washing throughout the day must be made mandatory.
People must sneeze into their elbows. Authorities in schools and workplaces must monitor the temperatures.
This must not be ignored.
5. Let me give an example. Suppose India follows all the rules.
The virus can still spread due to foreign travels.
Strict rules must be imposed while screening people when they land.
Once declared fit they can be allowed entry into India.
This must be done around the world.
6. We may all think that once lockdown ends things will be back to normal. No.
Once the lockdown ends there will be a “New Normal”.
People need to be more careful now.
By being careful means maintain distance, protect the environment
by not spitting on the road, reduce pollution, no slaughtering animals and stop cutting trees.
We need to care about the health of others as well.
To be so careful can seem very stressful.
However this will ensure that you, India and the entire world is safe.
WHO said countries need to create awareness about this among the people before lifting the lockdown.