Time to guard up & follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour religiously to be safe in view of spike in cases: Director PGIMER

“With the COVID positive numbers consistently rising for the past one
week, it’s high time that we guard up and follow ‘COVID Appropriate
Behaviour’ without any lackadaisical approach. There are chances of a
spike in cases again in view of the onset of festival season, upcoming
winters and fast-increasing pollution levels, “stated Prof. Jagat Ram,
Director PGIMER while sending a note of caution and urging the
community to continue following COVID protocol to prevent the
transmission of Covid-19.
Director PGIMER further detailed, “Basis the studies on other
respiratory viruses like SARS, influenza, etc. which show seasonal
variance with cases spiking in winters, there is a possibility that the
corona-virus infections might also rise in the coming
months. Furthermore, low humidity promotes evaporation of viral
particles and aerosol formations, which can increase the airborne spread
of disease.”
Deliberating about how the high levels of pollution might factor-in the
surging numbers, Prof. Jagat Ram explained, “Pollution levels rise in
winters as the cold air is dense and moves sluggishly. Further, Particulate
Matter is lethal for respiratory health as it enters the alveoli of lungs and
damages them, compromising the respiratory health. Under these
circumstances, if one contracts COVID, it’s likely to be more severe.”
“With the festival of lights just being a few days away, people are already
in the festive spirit and are far less vigilant. With mask use down and
mobility up, we are definitely contributing to accelerate the rise in
cases,” Prof. Jagat Ram expressed concern.
“Till the time, the vaccine arrives, wearing a proper mask, following hand
hygiene and social distancing is the mainstay to prevent Covid-19
infection.” counselled Director PGIMER.