Government of Meghalaya has expressed concern over the blatant flouting of physical distancing norms in the city. This violation of recommended protocols to kept Covid19 at bay should be taken seriously and citizens should themselves come forward to help the Government in this effort. As has been stated by a senior doctor, Covid 19 is not just a health problem to be tackled by doctors or an administrative problem to be tackled by the Government but a pandemic where the community should be actively involved. In fact the community has a major role because Covid is spread through human to human contact. Despite strict Government rules that people who venture out should wear masks, maintain coughing and sneezing protocols many are seen walking around without masks. Other personal hygiene habits such as regular hand washing and use of sanitizers are of course in the private domain. Another disturbingly dirty habit such as spitting and clearing the throat in public places continues despite warning of a fine. Clearly, hygiene in this country is a much neglected subject.
It is observed that when retail shops open from Monday to Thursday there are long queues and crowding. Perhaps the only way to prevent crowding is to open up all grocery shops. This will ensure crowd distribution. At this point it is important for all localities to have a team of young volunteers to assist the police in ensuring physical distancing. If at all Covid reappears in Meghalaya it might be because of lack of respect for physical distancing. The Government alone cannot enforce a social duty. And physical distancing to prevent a pandemic is a social responsibility.
Right now without a vaccine the only safeguard is through socially responsible behaviour. And there is evidence from other parts of the country and the world that behavioral change works if people diligently practice those. Citizens should be able to keep a check on one another, but with empathy. Sociologists and behavioral scientist say that when it comes to changing people’s minds or behaviour, shame and blame generally don’t work as well as empathy and the benefit of the doubt. And a pandemic is a time when extenuating circumstances are widespread. Everyone is stressed out and fearful for their own health. Perhaps what people need is a gentle reminder over a period of time. In this aspect, Mizoram does very well with the Young Mizo Association (YMA) forming volunteer groups in every locality. This is the time for the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other NGOs to lend their hand in ensuring physical distancing across localities.
