Monday Post

Latest on Covid 19 in India- It looks like there is respite now in a number of cases per day being reported. The cases which at  one time had crossed 4 lakh cases per day has come down to 1.5 lakh cases per day. So we can presume the second wave is on the decline and hopefully India should overcome this wave also. The death figure of 3000 in a day is the lowest in the last 34 days In whichever state there was a rise in the number of cases a few days back, the cases have been reduced drastically. The active cases are also reducing now which is good news. But we have to stay alert and positive as within the next 2-3 months experts are predicting 3^rd wave of spurt in the number of cases. I hope the administration is well prepared for 3^rd phase, as for 2^nd phase everyone was caught off guard. The other positive is the people are getting vaccinated, which might reduce the spurt in the number of cases in the third wave if it is there.

During the last 14 months, there has been a drastic change in the lifestyle of everybody. There are so many people who are staying alone without their families with them and secondly, the need for social distancing as a means for survival has put the entire human race into a quandary. The human race is a social animal, and contact with others is much needed for survival. We are not even allowed to shake hands, forget about a hug.

For senior citizens this is a double whammy, for many of them socialising was the only bright part of their life. Warm hugs and simple gatherings were a great refuge from the rigmaroles of fast-paced lives led by families. It is tougher for the senior citizens whose children/grandchildren live in another city/country. Since the mortality rate is becoming higher among the seniors, their administration all over requests the seniors t0 not to step out and stay safe.

While initially, there were panic and teething issues, almost all state administrations have set up home delivery of essential items and medicines, to assist the population. Even after lockdown restrictions are lifted, it is important for seniors to stay indoors and use home delivery facilities.

Maintaining social distancing only means that we are not allowed to go out and meet, nor we are allowed to invite a guest into our houses. That does not mean we can not talk to the people around us. There are neighbours and other people in the housing complexes with whom you can interact from a safe distance. With your family and relatives who are far off, you can always make calls. The video call alternative is also thee, which helps in maintaining all your relationship despite social distancing.

Many videos calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google, etc, allow you to make free video calls, and few apps have the facility of group calling also. In group calling you can bring more family members from other locations. Alternately, if you are not comfortable making the calls, you could request your family to schedule the same and learn to pick up the calls or click on the link to join the calls. Most of these apps will allow you to do so without much ado. You could try to catch up on the movies or shows on TV. If you are a bit tech-savvy, joining a virtual group is a good idea to keep yourself occupied. There are many groups based on interests like cooking, reading, traveling, etc. The key to survival is to ensure that how you stay safe and occupied.

Many experts feel that there is a good chance that people can fall into depression, or feel low during these times. Hence, it is important to be in touch with people, and reach out for help if you feel that there is an issue. This could be not feeling like getting up from the bed, not eating, not being interested in anything, not taking medicines, etc. It is important to keep your mind active, by following a regular schedule, including exercising. Follow the news to know what is happening in your city, state, and country.

Please ensure that you follow the guidelines issued from time to time. Take medications (if any) regularly and use reminders if required. This is important as if you miss the medications, there could be health issues, and emergency doctor/hospital visits are not as easy as they were earlier. Please feed all the emergency numbers into your phone for use in any untoward situation. Even if travel within your city is allowed, please take extreme precautions and venture out only if it is necessary. In case you are living alone and finding it tough, you could move in with some other family member in the same city for the time being, if that option is available.

Waiting for your feedback.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

31^st May 2021