‘No need to panic’

THE moment I came to know that I was infected with the Covid-19 disease on October 20 I was stunned as just a day before, myself and others — workers of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI — were urging residents of slum areas in the border belt to follow precautions such as social distancing, said Tarn Taran resident Daniel B Das (65), an honorary director of socio economic development programme (SEDP).

I was very cautious and followed all precautions to keep the virus at bay. When I got to know that our Bishop had got a positive test report I was the first person to get myself tested for the virus. As soon as I was informed of the positive report at midnight next day, I immediately informed all members of the family of the development and went into home quarantine. The Tarn Taran Health Department authorities too were informed. I could not sleep all night after being informed that I had contracted the virus. My mind was filled with negative thoughts.

Right from the next morning, I remained in the room as I did not want to go up to my family members. There were all necessary arrangements in the room where I stayed but there was no TV or any other source of amusement.

Being a follower of Jesus Christ, after taking a bath I prayed and found my mindset changed. Officials of the Health Department were apprised of the development and they provided me with a kit and asked me to follow certain precautions.

From the very first day, I started taking steam inhalation twice a day as it helps in clearing nasal blocks and chest congestion. Besides, I also started gargling with salt water.

I had just started managing to get rid of negative thoughts just then I lost my sense of taste and smell. Besides, I, too, experienced loss of appetite. Meanwhile, the wife of our Bishop and some

other members of the church, too, contracted the contagion. The Bishop couple was admitted to CMC in Ludhiana.

It was my good luck that during the whole period I had no fever, cough or any other symptoms which boosted my morale.

Very soon I started receiving a number of calls from the Bishop and other friends and their family members. Sometimes I spent six hours a day attending calls. We should always remain very cautious and take precautions for our own and others' safety. But in case one gets infected with the virus, there is no need to panic. What is more important is that one must not hide this fact which can put the lives of others in danger. We must disclose it so that others can be safe. As soon as one gets to know that he has contracted the virus, he must contact the Health Department so that he can get proper advice and treatment to control the disease in the initial stages.