I have resigned from the post of the chairperson for the ‘five seconds’ rule as the virus rules

I have resigned from the post of the chairperson for the ‘five seconds’ rule as the coronavirus has it’s own rules. Thanks to the pandemic, I am the self appointed chief of the hygiene department of my house. The decision to take up the role was relatively easy for me. Because you know from various sources that there is an invisible predator wandering around in the air and let’s face it -you’ve have to appoint the best! And I don’t disappoint myself. I potentially disinfect anything and everything.

Simple activities such as going out for cycling or a walk feels defiant and dangerous. It feels as if the air has lost the credibility of being fresh. Now, the air we breathe in has to pass checks as it could have the potential contagion.

Virus brings Paranoia and hysteria

This is my paranoia and hysteria doing the talk. You can still breathe contrary to what I said before. I think it’s time we have a perspective and distil fear and anxiety from science. Before diving into the facts, I need to tell you that I have recently watched ‘Contagion’ with my husband. It was our something ‘to do together’ in the quarantine period thing. I had inundated his memory with hundreds of videos of families singing together, couples dancing, exercising, balancing yoga postures and so on. So this movie night was inevitable:-).

Why was the film Contagion even relevant to my post (I’ve attached the trailer, in case you haven’t seen it)? Because the meaning of the words  ‘fomite and droplet‘ were not alien to me while doing my research for this post. I think my age is finally catching up with my wisdom (I am listening to Sarah Millican’s audio book ‘How to be Champion’, it’s sort of a line from it and I can’t remember the chapter).

Let’s get to the facts as per my research. You are entitled to your opinions. Of course!

• The virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets (coughs, sneezes)- from an infected person. Although some research also shows that it spreads through talking or breathing.

• Despite the fact that the virus can remain on surfaces for hours or a couple of days, transmission through surfaces is considered low risk. So next time you wash you grocery or anything that comes through deliveries, as long as you don’t touch your face, risk is much lower.  Please don’t put disinfectant or bleach on your vegetables. They can do more harm.

• If you can’t find gloves while shopping, please don’t worry as the problem lies in you touching your face. Avoid touching your face. I normally keep a sanitiser with me and when I leave the shop, I sanitise my hand immediately. And I wash my hands with soap/hand wash after I reach home.  Attached is an excellent video on cross contamination.

• The biggest risk are people. Maintain social distancing, stay home and avoid non essential travel.

• Wear mask in public. Some countries have made it mandatory and some have left it to peoples’ discretion. Personally, I wear a mask to my occasional trips to grocery store. Another positive side is that you can really avoid people that you don’t want to smile to or in case the place doesn’t smell nice!

•  Wash hands regularly. It works.

I’ve edited the post from my bathroom as it’s pristine – the self appointed chief is at THE best! This role is self consuming. What have I got myself into? But do you want to know the real reason of editing from the bathroom?  I was giving a bath to my three year old. Although he was splashing water, he was contained in the bath tub. My few minutes of piece. Ah! Parenting!

Stay safe, Stay home, Save lives.

To love and light, to normal cold and coughs!

Much love

Suranjita

PS: Please share if you’ve found it useful. Thank you!

Suranjita Bhagawati

Hello and welcome to 'Mumways'. I am Suranjita and I live in London with my three lovely kids and husband. Mumways is for inspiration - Writing about parenting, well being and lifestyle. I hope you enjoy going through it and thank you for visiting!