A Doctor’s thread about Covid-19 from 2020 is very relevant in these times 

This Doctor’s thread about Covid-19 from 2020 is more relevant than ever now: 

It’s been over a year since Covid-19 has completely changed our lives. While the rest of the world is getting back to its feet slowly, India is battling with a more dangerous second wave of coronavirus. However, a Twitter thread from last year by Dr Faheem Younus about co-existing with Covid-19 is still making sense and is more relevant than ever.     

Younus asked not to deny science since this pandemic is here to stay. He compared all the precautions for Covid-19 with driving a car. 

1/
COVID is likely here for >2 yrs. Lockdowns are one extreme; Denial of science is the other

Let’s learn to LIVE with the middle way – CAUTION – without gravitating to either extremes

There are many parallels of this new reality with learning how to drive a car. Read on…

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

2/
Before driving a car, we learn/abide by certain rules. That’s not giving up our freedoms

We wear a seatbelt before driving; during pandemic, wear a mask before going in public

Just like we keep a safe distance between cars, maintain >6 feet between each other in public

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

He simply explained how before driving a car, you follow all the safety rules and the same should be done for coronavirus precautions. 

3/
Just like we say no to drunk driving, say no to sick working. Both put others at risk

But first make sure paid sick leave is offered so people can stay home

Get tested, end isolation only if test is – or symptoms resolve

We don’t let drunk people make a choice to drive…

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

4/
Drivers get excited/lose control while speeding

Similarly, fun crowds may excite but that “social speeding” spreads the virus

Avoid indoor crowds in particular

But going to office, essential shopping, safe recreation is OK; maintain distance and wear a mask

Doable. Right?

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

5/
Broken headlights, bad wipers, dirty windscreen can cause accidents

Similarly, dirty hands will cause COVID accidents. Wash hands often; keep hands clean, prevent “COVaccidents”

With this driving-like-discipline, we can live safely for ~2 years and not be paralyzed by COVID

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

Towards the end, he suggested that if everyone wears a mask, maintains distance, washes hands, and takes all the precautions, lives could be saved without a lockdown. 

6/
When drivers speed/illegally park/run a red light, there are consequences

These COVID precautions should be mandated by the governments. There should be SOME consequences if people refuse to comply

Prioritize collective safety over individual choices. Public health 101

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

7/
If we all wear masks, maintain distance, wash hands, avoid crowds – we avoid lockdown and save lives

We safely drive thru this pandemic and reach mass vaccination.

Then remove our mask, take a deep breath, smile, hug, gather again and be grateful to God Almighty

End/

— Faheem Younus, MD (@FaheemYounus) June 27, 2020

We request every one to take all the necessary precautions.