COVID-19
The pandemic and Us
Coronavirus has had far-reaching impacts on every part of the world yet. When it started in 2019, nobody could have guessed its impacts on the whole world, but the disease has come to surprise everyone by becoming the first pandemic with such widespread cases all over the world. Every country in the world was affected. Many are still battling with it until now; Australia is one of the few countries where the spread has been brought under control, thereby allowing daily activities to resume gradually. Still, there is enough reason to be very cautious, and nothing says this more than the statistics on the virus in Victoria. Melbourne was one of the places that were most affected by the virus during its peak period. In fact, the second wave of the virus reached its crescendo right in the city, and it took the concerted efforts of the state and federal government to finally control the spread of the virus.
Melbourne residents had to experience one of the strictest lockdowns in the world at that time with only the essential workers having the freedom to go out freely during the period. While some criticised the lockdown for being too strict and infringing on the residents’ fundamental right of movement as well as having their business operations, many thought it was necessary, and in the end, the lockdown turned out to be the measure that restored some sense of sanity to the public health system of the state. As of January 24 2021, the number of active cases in Victoria is 30, and the total number of cases is 20,436. The state recorded 820 deaths. Another measure that has helped the state immensely in combating the pandemic is the testing, over 4.3 million tests have been conducted so far, and this has helped in detecting who had the virus on time before it starts spreading. That said, the measure is still very much in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
It is important to stay safe and protected against coronavirus, not just for one’s sake alone but also for the sake of public health and one’s family. This is why good hygiene is very important. By practising good hygiene which generally includes regular handwashing for a minimum of 20 seconds, any virus that one could have come in contact with would be washed off immediately. This is why many businesses are required to provide handwashing facilities at their work premises. Coupled with this is also the need to wear a mask. It is advisable to wear facemask at all times except when there is a lawful exception to it and whether you are wearing a mask or not, sneezing or coughing into your hands is completely discouraged. It is important to use a tissue and if there is no tissue, to cough into the upper sleeve or elbow. While the worst is far behind, it is necessary to remain very cautious to prevent the spread.