Experiencing Covid19 from Close Quarter – Pandemic2020

Probably in January 2020, I read about a new infectious disease in China. The disease was still spreading its wings, and not getting arrested. A new virus got identified ‘Novel Corona Virus’. Wuhan city of China was the worst affected. But we were not alarmed because we did not imagine that it would outspread so fast.

By mid-February, it started to spread its wings to the European countries. Slowly but surely, there was a rising inquisitiveness in me about the disease. Being from the field of statistics, I started keeping track of the data. Every night I would visit the WHO site to see the number of new cases and the mortality scenario.

My husband, a doctor, kept updating himself and me about the characteristics, symptoms, treatment, and outcome of COVID 19. I followed the data for Spain, Italy, Iran, and other affected countries. So many reported cases and deaths were scary and sent goosebumps just imagining the plight of the people afflicted by Coronavirus.  

By the end of February, a few cases were reported in India and now I started keeping a vigil on the Indian data as well. As the number of cases in India started to increase, my globe started shrinking.

Gradually I started following data on the MOHFW site more. Then started the state-wise watch. Counts for a number of cases were on an increase in Kerala, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gujarat. West Bengal was not far behind.

I was not much worried about the number of cases but was more worried about the mortality rate. Sudden fear of losing the near and dear ones gripped me and I spent some sleepless nights. I must mention, at this juncture, my friends played a big role and helped me to overcome this fear of new and invisible virus.  The next stage of this pandemic2020 was a keen watch for West Bengal data.

#Quarantine, #lockdown, #socialdistancing were the new keywords to obey in our life. The new essentials that made entry into our daily life were masks, sanitizers, disinfectants. Lockdown was imposed and outing for essentials and non-essentials was totally banned. A completely new and boring life but we had to abide by to keep #stayhomestaysafe.

Covid era is more harrowing for me because of my husband, being a doctor and on regular duty in Corona ward. We all started adjusting to a very new way of life, it isn’t easy as in saying. It seems sword is hanging over our head but still we are trying to adjust in this novel Corona era.

On 10^th of May, came the news that Didi’s (my sister-in-law) father had high fever. He lived alone and was looked after by his nephew. Fever was the only symptom. No complaints of cough or breathlessness. When the fever continued for 6 days, my husband advised to get him admitted to the hospital for further investigation… Didi had to take her father for admission to the hospital. My husband gave Didi an N95 mask to wear and advised her strictly not to remove until she returns home. He also asked her to sanitize her hands frequently.

The CT scan of lungs showed some changes and Coronavirus was suspected and finally ruled out in tests. He was moved to the ICU. Didi spent almost 7 hours with him from the time of pickup from his home till the admission procedure was completed. With a heavy heart, she returned.

My husband briefed her about the stringent routine, she must follow because she was in contact with a positive patient of Corona. All the doors were kept open, and disinfectant prepared for her. She came home, used disinfectant to sanitize her car, hands, disposed her mask in a closed bin, and then went straight for a bath.

She was quarantined as per Covid19 norms for 14 days. She stays on the first floor of our house. Presently her husband and son are posted elsewhere. We are a big family but at this time of mental stress, she was all by herself. The items she needed for day to day use were kept outside the door by us. She picked them up later. Though in the same house, talking over the phone was the only way of communication. Suddenly I realized that I was no longer keeping a count of cases in Europe or India or Kolkata. I was just keeping my fingers crossed that Didi and her father kept well. The first thing every morning was to call Didi and ask if she was fine and not having a fever. Uncle developed complications and was kept on a ventilator and he bid goodbye forever.

Didi tested negative for corona virus but she lost her father.  Even now I find it hard to believe that a man as active as him is no more, succumbed to Covid 19.

One thing I want to share is that Didi, even after spending 7 hours with a covid positive patient, tested negative as all through she wore the mask and kept sanitizing her hands. Uncle’s nephew and his family tested negative too. They took care of his daily needs but maintained a distance. So there is no need to panic if anyone is infected. Masks are really protective if worn properly. So wearing masks, washing/sanitizing our hands and maintaining social distancing will keep us safe from this disease. Solution is to take adequate precautions and we will be able to break the chain.

After this incident, I take one day at a time. As my husband is a doctor, every day is like the beginning of a new countdown for a 14 days quarantine. He takes all possible precautions. My children and I do our bit to give him support. Mental well-being is the most important thing during this lockdown period. It is a very different and difficult situation we all are going through.

Here I have talked about my family. They are with me. We are the privileged ones to have all the essentials in our reach. 

But, my heart goes out for those, who are passing through a very tough time. Many people lost their jobs and it leaves me berserk imagining the plight of daily wage earners and migrant laborers who were stuck hither and thither lacking food and shelter.

Hoping for good times to return soon with a belief that this shall pass soon.

Contribution of Snigdha Pain from Kolkata, Statistical Analyst on the blog series, THE PANDEMIC THAT CHANGED OUR LIFE UPSIDE DOWN. Real-life experience in the Corona era will be an eye-opener for the people.