so I stepped out to get some essentials from the medical shop and I was relieved to find just one customer before me. Only one customer allowed in at a time and I could see what was happening from my place outside. Grandma had a 4 year old with her. And they were trying to choose a bag of chips. So each bag of chips was shown to the youngster who held it for a while and then returned it so she could see what was the next choice. The girl had a large, ill fitting mask hanging under her chin and Grandma also wearing something resembling a mask. After a good 20mins wait, I had to request them to hurry up and then after another 10mins of haggling over the price they were leaving. So I asked Grandma why she was outside with a small child and she showed me that the child had a rash that hadnt gone for about a week now despite the Doctor's advice. She was here to show the rash to the chemist. The Dr's note said 'Chickenpox' and sure enough the kid had a rash all over body that was typical of chicken pox. Grandma not convinced, pharmacist refused to treat the child and so Grandma proceeded to the next shop for advice.
Coming out I notice most folks roaming quite casually without masks. At a bread shop, the owner asks the customer 'where is your mask?'. Asks him to stand back to maintain social distancing. And as if the shopkeeper has abused him the man shouts a tirade at him about being insensitive to an old man who has merely been forgetful! Next I go to the lab for my blood test. Every new person has to be instructed by the staff to wear their mask properly and maintain social distancing. Most people wear their masks to cover only the lower lip. Its too hot when the mask covers the nose. And if it covers both lips, we cant talk. Some wear it like a scarf bunched around the neck and then pinch one end of it around the nose sometimes- how they decide when the nose and mouth are to be covered I could not find out.
Covid epidemic is real. And its spreading fast in Mumbai. Studies have shown that it can be controlled if everybody uses a mask- a fabric mask is sufficient. But the mask has to be worn by everyone, at all times when outside the house and the mask has to be closely fitting to cover the mouth and nose. How can this detail be conveyed to the public?
Coming out I notice most folks roaming quite casually without masks. At a bread shop, the owner asks the customer 'where is your mask?'. Asks him to stand back to maintain social distancing. And as if the shopkeeper has abused him the man shouts a tirade at him about being insensitive to an old man who has merely been forgetful! Next I go to the lab for my blood test. Every new person has to be instructed by the staff to wear their mask properly and maintain social distancing. Most people wear their masks to cover only the lower lip. Its too hot when the mask covers the nose. And if it covers both lips, we cant talk. Some wear it like a scarf bunched around the neck and then pinch one end of it around the nose sometimes- how they decide when the nose and mouth are to be covered I could not find out.
Covid epidemic is real. And its spreading fast in Mumbai. Studies have shown that it can be controlled if everybody uses a mask- a fabric mask is sufficient. But the mask has to be worn by everyone, at all times when outside the house and the mask has to be closely fitting to cover the mouth and nose. How can this detail be conveyed to the public?
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