Hyderabad: The State health department on Saturday cautioned people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour during the Bonalu and Bakrid festivals which will go a long way in mitigating the impact of the Covid third wave.
In an advisory, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao warned that if people are careless during festivals, marriages, and mass gatherings, then ‘everybody has to pay a heavy price’.
“Let me warn you that the decline of Covid has been slow in some parts of the State. It’s not over yet. These conditions are not favourable and are very encouraging for the Covid situation. Only public contribution by actively following Covid appropriate behaviour will help in prevention/mitigation of the third wave,” Dr Rao said in the advisory.
The DPH warned people who actively participate in festivals, marriages, and public gatherings to make sure they properly wear masks, frequently wash their hands with sanitisers and maintain physical distancing.
“I appeal to the devotees, organisers and public, who all are participating in festivals to follow the above precautions. Especially Potharajus, Pujaris, Rangam devatas and staff of various temples have to be careful. We should remember that huge gatherings like these have triggered the second wave of Covid, in massive proportions. This is the season of many festivals and auspicious time for functions (marriages etc), wherein, if people are careless, we have to pay a heavy price,” he warned.
People who develop suspected Covid symptoms like fever, cold, cough, headache, body pains, throat pain, loss of taste and smell must immediately undergo home isolation, even from other family members who do not have symptoms.
Advisory on Covid
1. Individuals participating in festivals, marriages, large gatherings must be cautious
2. Conditions are favourable for surge in infections
3. Public must follow Covid appropriate behaviour to avoid repeat of second wave
4. In some parts of State, decline in cases is slow
5. Consult doctor for immediate treatment if tested positive