Social distancing is our vaccine till cure for COVID-19 arrives

During a press briefing here on Thursday, the Ministry observed that people are sidelining the use of masks and following of social distancing protocols. It urged the people to follow the mandatory practice of adopting COVID-appropriate behaviour in view of the upcoming festival season and the ongoing examinations being conducted across the country.

"In a few days, we will be into the festival season; and currently various examinations in colleges and universities are being held countrywide. In such times, COVID-appropriate behaviour should be followed at the community and social levels," said Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary at the Union Health Ministry.

Bhushan also said that until a vaccine for COVID-19 arrives, social distancing is the only vaccine. "Social distancing is the social vaccine till any vaccine for coronavirus arrives," he said.

"Use alcohol-based sanitisers, wear reusable face covers or masks at all times in public places, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and cover them with tissue/handkerchief while sneezing or coughing. This way, we can prevent the spread of the infection and safeguard ourselves from its contraction," Bhushan said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry also clarified that no direction has been given by it on wearing a mask while driving or cycling alone. The clarification came after there were several reports of police penalising people for violating the mask rule even when driving alone in a car. It had invited a lot of criticism from the commuters. Addressing a press conference, the Health Secretary added, "If you are exercising in a group, you need a mask but there is no directive to wear one if you are cycling alone." (IANS)

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