The Omicron variant of the Covid 19 is starting to rampage in Malaysia, but many Malaysians are taking it easy. The number of cases had decreased drastically to some 2500 cases in the middle of January and it had brought smiles to many. There was hope that Covid 19 can be controlled but now all hope is nearly lost. It is back to about 5000 cases. It’s been towering at this point for the last few days and making people, especially parents with school-going children worried again. Many clusters have been appearing among the school circles, thus there were calls lately to rethink the opening of the school sessions after Chinese New Year. Now, why is this yo-yo pattern ongoing? Is it because most Malaysians are lackadaisical or, is it because of most Malsyasians demeanour? I believe that lately, most Malaysians have taken Covid 19 for granted and are not following the SOPs strictly.
Some sources from social media have made the Omicron variant of Covid 19 look like a joke. Many quarters have made countless declarations that this variant is a mild one. Many think that the virus is becoming weak thus, too much consideration should not be given to the virus. They believe they have many other important problems to think of. Although, daily the Ministry of Health is giving feedback on the number of cases and casualties it doesn’t frighten them. Until the 1st of January, there has been an estimated 2.87 million cases and 31,978 deaths. A big portion of the population has been hit by Covid 19 and do you think it’s a joke? At the same time, leaders of some countries have seriously denied its severity. Their actions have made the situation worse. They have wasted a lot of time trying to prove Covid 19 is not deadly. Sadly, the results have been deadly too. Countries that were slow to take action have paid the price for their stubbornness. Many negative comments were made. One comment made was encouraging people to eat out in restaurants. Another leader said that masks as well as changing their clothes and showering upon returning from a trip outside was not necessary to prevent the spread. Apart from these comments, another President of a country said the workers could return to work and Covid 19 can be taken as ” a little cold” Only when the virus showed its true potential by killing hundreds of thousands of their people did they realise they were erroneous.
We can’t afford to be careless. Avoid cultivating a careless attitude. Most people understand the danger and threat the Covid 19 virus can pose so take it seriously. When a new virus has a high rate of infection, dismissing it as mild and lowering our guard is not an option. Everyone must realise that the only option is to be disciplined in following the advice of communicable diseases experts. Since the onset of covid 19, there has been so much propaganda on the importance of following the protocols to curb the disease. But sadly, the authorities faced so many problems in getting the people to follow the Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs). Many governments went to the extent of imposing fines and jail sentences on offenders. Even ministers and leaders on many occasions were too stubborn to follow.
Lately, the World Health Organisation has been anxious about reinfection. According to them, there is a higher chance of reinfection with the present omicron variant and other strains of concern. Vaccination is not a passport to lead a carefree life just like before the outbreak. You’re mistaken if you think you’re immune to infections because you’ve been vaccinated. Statistics have proved that many vaccinated people have been infected and some unfortunate ones have become victims of the virus. So let’s not push our luck too far. Don’t ever relax and avoid the SOPs. The Omicron version has proved to be very infectious. Although the symptoms can be very mild, don’t think you can relax. Now, once again we are seeing an increase in the number of cases as the Omicron strain is showing its true colours. Though an estimated fifty per cent of adults have gotten a booster shot and about 98 per cent of adults fully vaccinated there is no reason to celebrate. The high percentage of vaccination administered may have helped to cushion the number of new Covid 19 cases.
Remember wearing masks aren’t a joke. Due to negative reports in social media and other platforms that wearing masks does not combat Covid 19 virus, many people have started thinking that masks are a joke. So, many go out in the open without a mask. They fail to understand that they are not only endangering their lives but also the lives of others. If anyone not wearing a mask and is Covid 19 positive goes around, there is a chance that many innocent people will catch the virus. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC’s suggestion is to wear two masks. You are advised to wear a disposable mask under the cloth masks that has multiple layers of fabric. And the second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against the face. This protocol will definitely slow down the process of the virus spread. Apart from wearing a mask, the CDC says wearing masks must be combined with frequent hand washing, use of sanitisers, physical distancing as well as getting vaccinated. Vaccines are one of the most effective and safest ways of protection against infectious diseases. They have had effective results in reducing the spread of infectious diseases in the world. However, a small group of people refuse to accept the fact that vaccines will reduce the spread of Covid 19. Anti- Vaxxers, as they are called have a variety of reasons to reject the Covid 19 vaccine. Some, believe that it infringes on their human rights. Many surprisingly are aggressively spreading false information on their safety and effectiveness. Lately, there was also news that some anti-vaxxers have travelled abroad without Covid 19 vaccines. It is shocking that they were able to pass through all the control gates at the local airport as well as the international airport. How these people were able to go through is a mystery when even great sports personalities like Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia recently as he was not vaccinated. He was there to take part in the Australian Open. There has also been reliable information that some irresponsible doctors are in cohorts with some scoundrels in issuing false Covid 19 certificates for a fee.
Finally, everyone must remember that a cold is a cold and a Covid 19 is Covid 19. Both strains are nowhere near each other. Both aren’t cousins to be treated alike. Normally, there are some common known factors for catching a cold. Most parents know the causes for catching a cold. If you aren’t sure whether it’s a cold or Covid 19 go and get an RT PCR or a quick antigen test done. You may be able to get an instant result. Everyone must work hand in hand and follow the Covid 19 protocols. Please sanitise and distance socially as your life depends on it. Nowhere is safe now especially closed crowded places. Avoid going to parties just because you think the worst is over. With the Omicron variant, the worst is yet to come. Although our Minister of health says that we are better prepared to handle covid 19 with the mass vaccination programmes and experience don’t take a chance. Our lives depend on us. Follow the hashtag ” KITA JAGA KITA” and with Gods presence, we will be safe.
Palaniappan Karuppan is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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