As per recent medical reports , there has been an alarming rise in mental health cases ever since the outbreak of Covid-19. It is not surprising though, given the number of myths and disinformation that have been circulating on social media about the dangers of the viral spread, number of deaths and means to safeguard oneself from the attack of the virus.
While there are some who refuse to venture out of their homes and even receive visitors for fear of being infected, there are others who are paranoid about even touching their daily newspapers before warming them in the oven. Social distancing has made us all untouchables. Even large offices refuse to let customers in without thermal screening and hand sanitizing.
Cheques for payment have to be dropped in the box, only to be cleared on the following day, for fear of virus contamination. Three- layered face masks are found to be ineffective in air conditioned rooms and theatres, if the virus remains suspended as aerosols. And for many, the day does not end without half a dozen handwashes, a warm water antiseptic gargle, steam inhalation and a glass of hot milk with turmeric powder, not forgetting the oximeter to check for oxygen levels.
This is the new normal and sorry state of affairs we live in, and there is little we can do about it since doctors themselves are undecided about how things work. Dead bodies are disposed off as garbage with no value for human lives. For how long will this situation last is therefore the million dollar question.
AF NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim
