It’s been well over a year, and the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging. With big, small, wealthy and poor countries alike – all struggling to cope. The recent spike in India has caught everyone by surprise, with cases and deaths surging. Personally, I’ve lost relatives, and many of my friends (and their families) are sick. It is possible to stop Covid though, and you can help.
Stopping the spread of Covid
With or without the vaccine, the methods for preventing Covid haven’t changed. By taking precautions, we can help stop the spread of Covid – and the horrendous loss of life:
- Wear a mask
- Maintain socially distancing (and avoid crowded areas)
- Wash your hands
My wife and I are waiting to take the vaccine, and our kids have been asking lots of questions about it. So we put together this comic to help them understand how it works. Please feel free to print or share this.
Click here for a high resolution PDF or here for a high resolution JPG.
Check your facts. Don’t share bad information.
In the last week I’ve received numerous forwarded messages. Most of them are filled with well-produced, but totally rubbish information. Please, please check your facts before forwarding messages about Covid. The World Health Organization is one of the most authoritative sources of information on Covid-19, and has loads of information about how to take precautions and keep yourself safe. It’s also got a great Covid mythbusters section! Know your facts. Verify information, before you click forward. Don’t share anything that’s not verified! Bad information spreads quickly and can have unfortunate consequences.
This is one of the easiest, yet most powerful ways in which you can help!
For those living in India. There’s extensive information available on the Indian Ministry of Health webpage, including who can get the vaccine, and where to register (this link is not accessible from outside India).
You can help. No matter where you are.
For many Indians or people of Indian heritage that are living abroad, there’s an immense feeling of sadness, frustration and helplessness. You can help though. The charities listed below are all actively working in India to help. Any donations you send to them will go towards supporting the efforts in India. Even if you can’t donate, volunteer in your local area. Helping to combat Covid locally reduces the strain and makes it easier for governments and aid workers to get the situation elsewhere under control.
- The Indian Red Cross – Ambulances, oxygen, masks, food and supplies in urban & rural areas.
- Himkund Foundation – Supplying oxygen to people in need.
- Rapid Response – Supplying staples to vulnerable communities.
- Unicef – Oxygen concentrators and PPE to medical facilities.
Most importantly. If the vaccine is available in your locality, and you are eligible, please take it. Don’t stop taking the rest of the precautions though!
