*An appeal to fellow Punekars...*

*Clear and present danger..*
The Corona virus is still here.
After a prolonged lockdown, we are all dying to get back to normal life, work, shop, party and so on, but the corona threat is still very much present.

1. The major peak may have been last week of July(1800 new cases a day), but the peak plateau is underway or minor peaks(1300 to 1400 a day) on this plateau are coming forward. We are not safe yet.

2. Our diligence of wearing masks or physical distancing is fast deteriorating and if it worsens further, we may continue to witness further deaths.
Crowding, spitting, poor hand hygiene, unmasking is rising day by day.

3. The hospitals are experiencing fatigue, pressure, bed shortages and staff infections.
Stress due to covid deaths is wearing them down.
The nursing staff wants to go home for Ganesh festival and nursing shortage is imminent.

4. The covid fear has gone down and is replaced by carelessness and aggressive behaviour.

We have done really well in managing covid, yet the victory is slipping away.
There is a gap between the cup and the lip and we need patience and discipline to reach there.
I urge all citizens to stand and fight this war.

*Do not let your guard down* and show the world what Pune stands for. One month more and we will cross the peak for sure.
May Lord Ganesh show us the right way.

Dr Dhananjay Kelkar.
Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune