Celebrate responsibly

While the drop in Covid infection cases in India is a welcome sign, it is not the time to let the guard down. In fact with the country being on the cusp of a festive season, it is advisable to be safe than sorry (“India posts lowest daily new coronavirus cases in nearly four months,” Oct. 20, Gulf Today).

October has seen India post lower figures of coronavirus caseload in nearly four months, as new cases maintained a decreasing trend from a peak in September. It was about a month back (September 17), when the country recorded nearly 98,000 cases — the highest spike in a day. And now that is steadily decreasing along with the decrease in mortality rate. A healthy sign for the country which has been brought to its knees in the last few months, not only on the economic and healthcare front, but also on socio-economic parameters.

The government and citizens will do well to learn from Kerala which at one time was looked upon as an model in containing the virus. It took just one festival, the week-long Onam celebration to put the state back in the red zone.

Experts have warned that infections could rise as the holiday season nears, with celebrations for the Hindu festivals of Durga Puja and Diwali due this month and in mid-November. So stay safe.

Carmen R — By email