Patients, attendents in hospitals ignore the need to mask up

BENGALURU: Though Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the state, people still do not seem to have taken seriously the importance of wearing masks in public places, especially during hospital visits. The government has not made wearing of masks compulsory, but citizens have been advised to mask up at crowded places.

Public TV conducted a reality check on the premises of Victoria Hospital and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital to see whether the rising virus infection have had any impact on people, although masks are not mandatory.

In preparation for a surge in cases, government hospitals have already earmarked beds coronavirus patients and there is always the risk of the spread of Covid-19 at hospitals. Sometimes, it is difficult to determine who is a patient or attendant and no one seems to be bothered about the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. Those wearing masks are doing it for the sake of it as it is on the beard, hanging off one ear, or the nose is exposed.

A mask should completely cover the nose and mouth and should be fit snugly around the ears or head. However, wearing a face mask or face covering incorrectly can do more harm than good.

Thousands of patients visit Victoria Hospital every day. Patients may also have ILI and SARI symptoms and such people should be careful, but seem to be least bothered about taking precautions.

The Omicron subvariant JN.1 has been termed as a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO. The number of Covid cases in Bengaluru is increasing, and hospitals have made it compulsory for people over 60 years of age to wear masks, including those with comorbidities. Covid could be seen more in patients who have visited hospitals, but no one is taking precautions in hospitals and people are walking around the hospital premises without wearing masks. Masks are not mandatory, but it is always better to wear them voluntarily to keep family members safe from viral attacks and maintain good health.