How an eminent virologist handles the virus threat
From masks, handwashing to even waiting for a few hours before touching newspaper and vegetable, eminent virologist Dr T Jacob John, the former head of Virolgy department at CMC Hospital, Vellore, leaves nothing for chance while going about his day-to-day routine.
migrator
Vellore
“My wife and I wear masks when we go out and whenever somebody comes to our house, including the domestic worker. Washing hands regularly is now a habit. When vegetables are brought to our house, we ask it to be left within the compound. We do not touch it for four hours, as the virus does not survive more than that in the atmosphere,” he told this newspaper.
Dr John follows the same procedure even while fetching the newspaper. Every morning, he would spread the sheets and leave them in the open for 30 minutes before bringing it into the house, he added. In the case of non-vegetarian food, the family leaves in the open or keep it in the freezer, and ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.
Precautions are taking even when talking to his children and grandchildren, with whom he talks across the gate. “If they want to come in, all of us wear masks,” he said. Wearing masks makes it safe to come as close at two feet of the other person, the virologist added. “The advantage of cloth masks is that after using it for 4-5 hours, it can be washed with soap and water, dried and used again.”
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