Social ostracism has unfortunately become a byword, quite like social distancing in the Coronavirus pandemic. The latter is necessary, the former hugely unfortunate but extremely real.

The hurt is compounded when one hears that health workers in medical facilities who may test positive because of the nature of the work, are facing ostracism. Talking with doctors, one has learnt that non-clinical staff, even those not affected, are facing challenges on the home front. Many of these persons who live in chawls, or residential clusters are being shunned when they return home from work.