The pandemic continues to rage on and it has intensified with mutant variants.
The nomenclature or the terminology to address the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 might be baffling for most.
From the beginning of the pandemic, the nomenclature or naming of the virus and its variants have avoided stigmatising a region or the place where the virus was first isolated.
The new variants are noted to have an increased binding capacity to human cell receptors. They also have a longer virus shedding time duration and are known to be more environment stable, thereby increasing the contagiousness of the virus.
Due to the mutation and the change in the nature of the viral proteins, there are instances where screening tests fail to detect the virus. The efficacy of the vaccine and monoclonal antibodies can also be compromised, making these mutated viruses variants of concern.
Further, the rampage caused by the infodemic curtails all the countermeasures practised to curb the pandemic. The term "infodemic" comes from information and epidemic, or in this case, the pandemic. An infodemic happens when a person or a group of people's opinion or belief or understanding is considered as facts, and the false news or misinformation spreads virally (see, again, it is a virus).
Interestingly, infodemic was first used during the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic in 2003. Unfortunately, the infodemic spreads faster than scientific information because it appeals to the emotions of the audience and usually, it is given a false source-like Centres for Diseases Control, World Health Organisation or Health Ministry.
To control the pandemic and the attendant infodemic, we suggest six measures that the government and public could adopt.
FIRST, the public should get updated with information from reliable sources about the virus and the means of protection.
Each one of us should be responsible to determine the authenticity of the information we receive before passing the same to others;
SECOND, public authorities should communicate in a way that is easy for the public to comprehend. The government should speak with one voice and avoid conflicting statements;
THIRD, we need to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP). This includes proper face masking, hand sanitisation and physical distancing.
The increased binding capacity and longer viral shedding apply only after the virus gains entry into human beings. We should remember to wear masks even when we are with colleagues, friends or family members;
FOURTH, we have safe, effective vaccines and it is our responsibility to get vaccinated. When more than 80 per cent of the population are vaccinated, the consequent herd immunity would protect us from the virus and its variants.
Another good news is that among those who have the misfortune to get infected after two doses of the vaccine, the disease is much milder, seldom requiring Intensive Care Unit admission;
FIFTH, if more variants are being generated, then we would need to produce newer vaccines to neutralise the circulating variants. Similarly, we would need diagnostic tests, which would be able to detect variants.
As such, the government should encourage research institutions and universities to intensify research in vaccine development and diagnostic testing for better prophylactic and therapeutic measures; and,
SIXTH, as has become evident with the spread of Covid-19, we need to support our overwhelm-ed frontliners. We shall do them a great favour by sticking to the SOP, undertaking home quarantine, seeking medical help at the appropriate time and strictly following health personnel's instructions.
These precautions will go a long way to ensure the virus is not further spread.
Patients who have recovered from Covid-19 could serve as ambassadors by sharing their experience, advising people about options to keep one protected and safe.
The writer is deputy vice-chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times