Over a third of the world’s population is currently under lockdown and facing a second wave of quarantines as the number of coronavirus cases increase considerably every day. We all are well aware of the fact that quarantine is not a fun experience and it has several downsides. People are growing restless with all these decisions regarding the timeframe of the lockdowns and possibility of quarantine. Understandably, no one wants to revert to the situation in March so it is important to understand how the lockdown may prevent and help reduce the number of cases.
To start off, take a closer to the way the new and ‘upgraded’ virus is transmitted. The second wave of COVID-19 has been found to be less aggressive over the human body however it has become much more contagious over the past few months. With the flue season being in full bloom and the colder weather approaching regular flues, runny noses and soar throats will raise red flags and be deemed more serious. The main way of transmission is by coming in contact with an infected person, by talking, sneezing, singing and coughing respiratory droplets are produced. The infected particles are transmitted and reach the mouth, nose or eyes of a susceptible person and result in infection. The virus may also be airborne and infect countless people through aerosols in a densely populated area. These respiratory secretions don’t always infect human beings, they contaminate surfaces and objects, doors, drawers, produce in the store etc. These contaminated surfaces are called fomites, the host touches the area then proceeds to touch their mouth, eyes or nose. The virus resists on non-living surfaces between hours and day depending on the environment.
The lockdown and restrictions are designed to minimize the contact between people and the outside world based on the observations and data that have been gathered ever since Covid-19 erupted in Wuhan. The symptoms are common and though to differentiate between a simple cold and a life-threatening virus. People may brush it off and continue on with their normal day, unaware that they are putting themselves and everyone around them in danger. Data showed that through the snowball effect one infected individual may infect up to 60,000 people. Studies focusing on how the lockdown affected the spreading of the virus in 50 countries, show that through the period of restriction the transmission of the virus dropped by 45% and the number of new cases also decreased.
Overall, the lockdown and restrictions are put there to keep everyone safe, the numbers don’t lie, the evidence is there, despite the anger people express when it comes to lockdown and quarantine they are the only way we as normal civilians can help fight in the battle against SARS-CoV-2. It is crucial to inform yourselves about the symptoms, early signs and how to proceed if you or someone in your family is detected with the Covid-19 virus. Here are some sources: Vermont Department of Health, Washington State Department of Health.
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