Something we could all use in today’s world torn apart with the deadly virus. Certainly an Act of God from which there seems to be no respite. God brought the world to its knees but the burning question is Have we humans learned anything as a result?? Looking around it seems like our Sri Lankan people have learned nothing - they don’t seem to realise or appreciate the value of anything - the need for restraint, the need to maintain correct social distancing, the need for personal hygiene, The need to appreciate the correct value of everything in life!

"By protecting ourselves, our families are protected, if families are  safe society is safe, if society is safe the country is safe"

In the midst of this doom and gloom Dr. Faheem Youmus - Head of the Infectious Disease Clinic, University of Maryland has some good news for everyone. We would do well to read and absorb and take it very seriously so I quote ad verbatim:   
Now something practical and honest from the :   
Head of the Infectious Disease Clinic, University of Maryland,   
USA:   
1. We may have to live with C19 for months or years. Let’s not deny it or panic. Let’s not make our lives useless. Let’s learn to live with this fact.   
2. You can’t destroy C19 viruses that have penetrated cell walls, drinking gallons of hot water - you’ll just go to the bathroom more often.   
3.Washing hands and maintaining a   
two-metre physical distance is the best method for your protection.   
4.If you don’t have a C19 patient at home, there’s no need to disinfect the surfaces at your house.   
5.Packaged cargo, gas pumps, shopping carts and ATMs do not cause infection.   
Wash your hands, live your life as usual.   
6.C19 is not a food infection. It is associated with drops of infection like the ‘flu. There is no demonstrated risk that C19 is transmitted by ordering food.   
7.You can lose your sense of smell with a lot of allergies and viral infections. This is only a non-specific symptom of C19.   

"C19 is not a food infection. It is associated with drops of infection like the ‘flu. There is no demonstrated risk that C19 is transmitted by ordering food"

8.Once at home, you don’t need to change your clothes urgently and go shower!   
Purity is a virtue, paranoia is not!   
9.The C19 virus doesn’t hang in the air. This is a respiratory droplet infection that requires close contact.   
10.The air is clean, you can walk through the gardens (just keeping your physical protection distance), through parks.   
11.It is sufficient to use normal soap against C19, not antibacterial soap. This is a virus, not a bacteria.   
12.You don’t have to worry about your food orders. But you can heat it all up in the microwave, if you wish.   
13.The chances of bringing C19 home with your shoes is like being struck by lightning twice in a day. I’ve been working against viruses for 20 years - drop infections don’t spread like that!   
14.You can’t be protected from the virus by taking vinegar, sugarcane juice and ginger! These are for immunity not a cure.   
15.Wearing a mask for long periods interferes with your breathing and oxygen levels. Wear it only in crowds.   
16.Wearing gloves is also a bad idea; the virus can accumulate into the glove and be easily transmitted if you touch your face. Better just to wash your hands regularly.   
17.Immunity is greatly weakened by always staying in a sterile environment. Even if you eat immunity boosting foods, please go out of your house regularly to any park/beach.   
Immunity is increased by Exposure to pathogens, not by sitting at home and consuming fried/spicy/sugary food and aerated drinks.   

"It seems like our Sri Lankan people have learned nothing - they don’t  seem to realise or appreciate the value of anything - the need for  restraint, the need to maintain correct social distancing, the need for  personal hygiene"

This shows that we can all live within the norms of certain boundaries remaining cognizant of the fact that if this virus is to remain with us, the need to be alert, to live, work and play within the parameters outlined is a must! By protecting ourselves, our families are protected, if families are safe society is safe, if society is safe the country is safe And, if people in every country practise the cardinal rule of personal safety, we will definitely be looking at a safer, virus free world in which we can all breathe and live comfortably.
We trust this has helped you to appreciate life, to value people and the environment and the many aspects of life that we usually take for granted.
STAY WELL, STAY SAFE AND STAY BLESSED.

THE VOICE