How to play safe Holi amidst COVID-19 fear

Festival of colours, gatherings and happy hugs comes with corona scare this year.

There's a question on everyone's mind this Holi...

Is it safe to play Holi this year?

COVID is an airborne infection spread mainly from person-to-person.

Infection may spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The best measure towards prevention is, as WHO has specifically advised, good hygiene, particularly hand hygiene.

Avoiding crowded places is another recommendation.

In this context, it is reasonable to celebrate Holi in moderation because mindful social distancing is the key.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching an infected surface or object.

The Center for Disease Control has laid out the following precautions this Holi:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid large social gatherings
• Say No to hugs and handshakes
• Play Holi only in small groups
• Stay hygienic while you play with colours.
• Avoid crowded places like malls, markets and multiplexes
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at 60%–95% alcohol.
• Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Pay attention to your health during travel and for 14 days after you leave.

Follow these precautions and stay safe this Holi.