The media should avoid spreading unsubstantiated news
KARACHI: The world is in the midst of the worst pandemic in recent history, as the strain of coronavirus COVID-19 spreads widely. The most dangerous feature of this virus is that patients suffering from this disease may not show any emergency symptoms, but they may still be able to infect others. Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms because they are similar to the common cold or flu. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19 or any natural health products that are authorised to protect against it. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep physical distance between each other and avoiding non-essential gatherings, common greetings, such as handshakes, and crowded places.
In order to protect people from being infected by coronavirus, the WHO has provided a list of safety measures that are to be carried out by every individual, particularly the regular washing of hands and the avoidance of touching one’s face, lips, eyes and nose.
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards. If you are sick, wear a facemask when you are around other people. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
What is utmost importance is to practise hygiene at every level—societal and individual level. It is also important that we all should behave responsibly. The media should avoid spreading unsubstantiated news. They should confirm news from all quarters concerned before bringing it on air or printing it. The common people too should be on guard against being carriers of rumours. We should do our bit at this time of a global humanitarian crisis. We should also brush aside false claims being made about ways to avoid being infected by the virus and cure for it.
Abdul Subhan Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2020.
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