VSF: Necessary Tools to Combat COVID-19 Globally
June 9, 2021 Vaccines, social distancing, and face masks (VSF) remain important tools in the global war against COVID-19. Indeed, face masks have proven to be one of the best precursors to nationwide vaccination programs.
In the United States, while the vaccination program was progressing to reach a manageable number of daily COVID-19 cases, mask mandates and other restrictions were in place in different states. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 140.4 million people have been fully vaccinated. As 53% of population aged 18 and above have been fully vaccinated in the United States, states have been relaxing restrictions.
However, in countries where vaccination levels are low and new variants are emerging, COVID-19 protocols are needed. Localized restrictions are proving to be effective in lowering the daily increase in cases.
As India is facing a severe second wave of COVID-19 and until a huge populace is vaccinated, protective measures are still needed. On June 7, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, highlighting the steps towards vaccination while advising people to wear masks and follow the protocols. The Indian government will be handling the vaccination program centrally and will distribute vaccines to states for immunizing people aged 18 years and above, free of cost. Such central procurement and distribution by local authorities have worked well in the United States.
In regions where population density is high, use of face masks and other protocols will help until the vaccination level reaches about 60-70%. Reaching such a threshold will enable the risk to be manageable, stated Dr. Craig Barker, Corporate Medical Director, UMC Physicians in Lubbock, TX.
Face masks limit the number of microbes leaving the body and help with preventing the spread, stated Barker.
As there are reports of the emergence of the more contagious Delta variant in India, use of face masks, physical distancing and avoiding gatherings will help limit the spread. As major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi open up their economy, countermeasures such as face masks and practicing hygiene will help in borrowing time to gear up vaccination.
India’s PPE sector is well positioned to develop necessary protective equipment, as this industry has been building its base in the past two decades.
Our recent research has shown that countermeasures like using face masks reduced the number of COVID-19 cases. Following hygiene protocols will limit the spread of the coronavirus and will play a major role in saving lives.
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