- Pushya Chokshi
Standing Strong Against COVID
Updated: Sep 20, 2020
As we are closing in on the very first anniversary of COVID, it is important that we are well prepared for what the future holds. The impacts of COVID are amalgamated in our day to day life since the outbreak, but is this the case for everyone? Since the outbreak, public health officials around the world are making efforts to limit the spread of the infection- they are providing guidelines that will assist in confining the spread. Nova Scotia along with other Atlantic provinces are doing an exceptional job in confining the spread compared to other parts of the world. Since May 5th, the total number of confirmed new cases are below 10*, which exemplifies the effort of the front line workers along with other health care professionals.
Since the past few weeks, many people, especially students, are travelling to the Atlantic bubble while authorities are insisting on strict regulations in order to reduce the spread of this virus. Many new protocols and restrictions are in place for students entering Nova Scotia after August 20th.
● Students need to fill a form consisting of personal information, along with the address for their quarantine location and their commitment towards the same.
● Students entering the province need to self-isolate/Quarantine for 14 days.
● Every individual needs to undergo 3 COVID tests after their entry within 14 days.
● Restriction on using public transport upon arrival, even for testing purposes, for 14 days. Instead, the use of a personal vehicle or taxi is recommended.
Precaution is better than cure. The term “social distancing” has been used a great deal amidst the pandemic. Social distance means maintaining a distance of 6 feet or 2 meters between individuals.It assists in limiting the spread by preventing contact with salivary droplets. After reopening certain businesses, emphasis on social distancing has increased to mitigate the risk of spread. Most food chains in Cape Breton are trying to achieve this by blocking every alternate table. People should keep in mind that social distancing is not the alternate of wearing face protection, they just compliment each other.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) acts as a shield towards the virus and its importance cannot be overstated. Use of a face mask or oral screen and gloves is deeply encouraged. The use of PPE not only aids in personal protection but also limits the spread of the disease in the community. Thus, wearing the face-covering works for the betterment of the whole community and not just the individual, obliging the moral ethics.
Regular hand washing and using hand rub sterilizer when hands are not visibly soiled is the gold standard when it comes to personal hygiene. Cleaning surfaces with alcohol disinfectant is recommended for surfaces that are regularly touched or used by different individuals, for example- doorknobs and dining tables.
Young people, especially students are being found to increasingly neglect the mandatory requirement to quarantine. The lack of symptoms and discomfort faced by the students demotivates them to follow rules imposed for self-isolation. But it should be kept in mind that it may take up to 14 days to develop the symptoms of COVID after contracting the virus; so, by refraining from self-isolation they are endangering many lives. The government in recent days is working on several new policies that may impose a hefty fine on the individuals disobeying self-isolation when directed.
Sources- * https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/data/