As some housing societies restart practice of disallowing doorstep deliveries, health and legal experts dispel some hare-brained myths
Newspapers are not carriers of the virus, experts have said
While newspaper and other vendors have not been restricted from entering housing societies by the state government or civic body yet, a few housing societies in the city have imposed restrictions on their own, such as stopping vendors from entering building premises, in view of rising COVID cases. Health and legal experts as well civic officials have expressed concern over these restrictions, which has led to unnecessary panic. Recently, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope had to hold a press conference to allay rumours of another lockdown.
Recently, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope had to hold a press conference to allay rumours of another lockdown. Health experts said the need of the hour is COVID-appropriate behaviour rather than promoting unscientific restrictions, which only adds to the discomfort and leads to panic.
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No scientific backing
Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals, said that there is no scientific evidence till date that delivery people transmit COVID-19 more than any other person in civil society. He quoted a report by the International News Media Association which said that there is no instance of newspapers transmitting COVID-19 from anywhere in the world, as newspapers are extremely porous and therefore cannot transmit viruses. One can, however, demand that the delivery personnel wear a mask and sanitise hand before entering buildings.
The likelihood of becoming infected with the novel Coronavirus from mail, newspapers or packages is negligible, say experts. Representation pic
“The likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19 from mail, newspapers, or packages is quite low. Out of abundant caution during the pandemic, when handling or reading your postal mail, newspaper, or packages, it would be best to avoid touching your face intermittently. Recent research evaluated the survival of the virus on different surfaces and reported that the virus can remain alive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, up to four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard due to its porosity. Use of surface disinfectants, such as soap, 0.05% sodium hypochlorite/bleach, or products based on >70% ethanol will disintegrate the virus instantly. With this, I wish to dismiss rumours that newspapers can be the source of transmission. Moreover if delivery boys are using proper-fitting masks and hand sanitisation, the possibility of spread can be further eliminated,” said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of Global Health at University of Washington-Seattle and an invited member to WHO-Geneva COVID-19 several review panels.
‘COVID-appropriate behaviour’
Dr Jacob John, renowned virologist, told mid-day, “There should be strict instructions on the quality of masks for protection against Omicron—and such masks should be fairly snug fitting; multi-layered or with mechanisms to filter viruses out, electrostatic properties should retain viruses on the outside surface. Masks should’ve quality assurance by competent agencies.”
“Scientific speculation is unnecessarily creating a panic situation. Utmost stress should be laid on strict avoidance of social functions and parties as most of these gatherings have proved to be super spreader events. Meticulous use of the mask accompanied by COVID-appropriate behaviour at work and at home is the mainstay of prevention,” said Dr Ketan Vagholkar, Professor of Surgery at DY Patil Medical College.
Legal view
Advocate Vinod Sampat, founder president of Cooperative Societies Resident and Users Welfare Association, said, “Cooperative societies no doubt have the right to frame rules and regulations, specifically when there is a pandemic. However, one should not forget that the government itself has gone very mild on Omicron and has not put strict restrictions. In my view the approach of some cooperative societies not to allow newspapers and vendors is incorrect and violates the fundamental rights of an individual.”
Bed availability
Suresh Kakani, additional commissioner (health), BMC, said, “Neither we (BMC) nor the state government issued any direction or advisory objecting entry of any vendors including newspapers to housing societies, and we are not intending to impose any such restrictions in coming days. People need not panic and continue with their normal life.”
When asked about the bed occupancy at jumbo centres and dedicated COVID care hospitals, Kakani said, “Though cases have increased, it is a milder version. Only 5 to 6 per cent of the affected people require hospitalisation and very few patients need oxygen support. Over 80 per cent beds are lying vacant at jumbo centres across Mumbai. We must understand that while the present variant has faster transability, the overall fatality rate is much less. We have also requested private hospitals, which were marked as COVID hospitals in May 2021, to provide for same number of beds for COVID cases, so that public at large need not have to come all the way to the Jumbo centres.”
And on public advisory, Kakani said, “We would appeal to the public at large not to get panicked and not to believe in any unsolicited social media or mobile messages. We have activated our dedicated helpline numbers in each BMC ward office, with a doctor to guide and arrange for any medical assistance, in case of any emergency or for any clearance of COVID-related doubts.”
COVID helplines
. Toll free no: 1075
. BMC Helpline: 1916
. Maharashtra Covid Helpline: 022- 22027990
. Behavioural Health: Psychosocial Toll Free Helpline- 08046110007
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