The Covidiot Round-up: India welcomes New Year 2022 with Third Wave
We have welcomed 2022 with the third wave. Omicron, the not-so-new Covid variant, is spreading all across the world like wildfire. India has reported 1,700 Omicron cases till now and every morning, we wake up to an exponentially increased number. These alarming numbers raise a number of questions: Who is responsible for the increase in Covid cases? Is this happening for the first time? Is Covid new to us? Are we yet to learn Covid-appropriate behaviour? Will Covid ever end if this continues?
THIRD TIME NOT A CHARM, BUT A SHAME
On New Year’s Eve, there were many restrictions in different cities to prevent the spread of Covid. While some of us chose to stay indoors during these times, many seemed like they were welcoming the third wave with open arms.
Visuals from all across the nation made headlines the next morning. Uncontrolled crowds, without face masks, is all we got to see.
1. GOA
This video from Baga Beach in Goa is going viral on Twitter. The video is literally screaming Covid 3rd wave.
Well, what happened next is quite obvious: as per today’s report, Goa recorded a big jump in Covid cases. A total of 388 new Covid cases have been recorded in Goa. Now the state has 1,671 active cases. The cases have doubled in just three days as a huge number of tourists attended New Year’s celebrations in the state. FYI, there were minimum restrictions in Goa. A vaccine certificate or a Covid-negative report was enough to attend New Year's celebrations. The positivity rate in Goa is currently at 10%.
2. DELHI
Similarly in Delhi, even after the yellow alert and so many restrictions, public places were jam-packed with people. Here’s a video from the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station which connects Connaught Place to different parts of the state.
Here’s another video from a liquor shop in Delhi.
3. MUMBAI
Similar pictures and videos came in from Mumbai from the last week of December.
4. KOLKATA
In these pictures, you can see thousands of people at Park Street, Kolkata.
5. CHENNAI
Similarly, people in Chennai can been seen celebrating New Year's Eve bursting crackers without face masks.
These are just a few examples from all across the country. We saw many more such incidents during the last week. Was it just me or your feed too was flooded with such pictures, stories and videos of everyone partying here and there?
COMING BACK TO THE QUESTIONS, ARE WE NEW TO THIS?
During the first wave, Covid was a newcomer, and we didn't really know what it was. It took us months or almost a year to help people of different age groups understand what needs to be done during these times. After the first wave, when we almost thought Covid would end soon, the second wave came uninvited. And we know the rest.
The Delta variant upended many lives. Every single individual knows at least 5 families that were ravaged by the second wave. I remember, during the second wave, even spending time on the terrace was terrifying because after every 3 minutes, we could hear an ambulance passing by. We saw horrifying images from cemeteries, hospitals, families and what not. The phone used to ring multiple times a day for resources like oxygen cylinders, beds at hospitals or an ambulance.
And yet.
THEN WHY THIS CARELESSNESS?
The first and especially the second wave were the times we would never want to see again. But still, we see visuals from New Year’s Eve celebrations. Not just yours, it is crucial to stay cautious to save others’ lives too.
A celebration which could have been done easily at home can cost you your life. So, before we see a collapse again, it is better to be responsible.
HERE'S WHAT TO TELL A COVIDIOT IF YOU KNOW ONE (OR ARE ONE; PS: WE HOPE NOT)
Get vaccinated.
Wear a mask like a mask is to be worn.
Stay indoors if you can afford to stay indoors.
Follow social distancing.
Wash your hands.
Avoid social gatherings.
And finally, don't be a Covidiot.
Being a Covidiot isn't good for anyone. Not you, not your neighbour, not your family member.