This is an intentionally scary thread about #COVID19. I don't want to start it with "I don't mean to scare you". Because, frankly, I do. We ALL need to be scared. Especially in Pune. We've gone immune to the numbers, but maybe this personal anecdotal thread will help 1/

My father had some non-typical symptoms and suspecting other conditions, we took him to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital ER and they administered a RAT (rapid test) which came positive. While we were waiting for investigations in the ER, we kept hearing of other positive cases. 2/

DMS had already told us that if it was non-COVID case, he'd get a shared room (no private rooms were available even for non-COVID patients), but otherwise we may have to look for COVID bed somewhere else. When the test came positive, they said they'll try to find bed for him 3/

but we should start contacting other hospitals in the meanwhile. My wife and I called at least 20 places, I tried using my office insurance provider's helpline, other COVID helplines. Lines were busy. Most hospitals didn't have any COVID beds. 4/

Many had "waiting lists" 5-15 ppl. It was a harrowing experience not knowing what to do next. His condition was not suitable for home treatment. Finally, we did get a bed in a hospital in our area, but as we were admitting him, we saw guys being sent back cos of no more beds 5/

In DMS ER, we still saw people wearing masks wrong, taking them off to speak on phone, not maintaining any social distancing, hanky as a mask (one person), a couple of nurses with masks under their noses. It's as if people have no fear. Even in a very high-risk area. 6/

The health services are under severe strain. The health workers are overworked and visibly stressed. The bed situation is terrible. My father has had his first dose of vaccine, and yet he has serious symptoms (he had co-morbidities). 7/

He probably got it from my sister/BIL (both got their two doses as GPs - getting tested soon). Vaccines are NOT a panacea. We are still vulnerable. We have to keep taking care

1. masks
2. So-di
3. Avoiding unnecessary meets.

This thing is going nowhere 8/

And trust me, you don't want to be caught in the middle of it at times like now when the health services are stressed to a breaking point (or otherwise -- but especially NOT now). Now as I wait at home, unable to see my ailing father, I just wish no one else goes through this! 9/

Please, for the sake of your loved ones, do what needs to be done - the common sense stuff. We could still get unlucky, but in a game of percentages, every little thing helps with the overall picture. Please take care people. The worst is NOT over. Don't drop your guard!
10/END

There are also secondary effects: govt has now asked 80% of the beds to be reserved for COVID. This post by @docbhooshan talks about the real human cost of that:

https://www.facebook.com/752021083/posts/10158732248371084/