As the country gears up to battle the pandemic of Coronavirus, every field is doing it's best to stop the disease from spreading any further. From distributing face masks to providing sanitizers to its employees, the Indian television industry too is doing everything to ensure that no one gets infected. While mass efforts are being taken, actors share their take on the preventions and awareness.
Ssharad Malhotra: Now declared a pandemic by WHO, we individually should take adequate measures to prevent the spread of this deadly virus any further. Washing of hands, avoiding handshakes, keep sipping on some warm liquids, avoid crowded areas and also postpone overseas trips unless very critical are some of the basic safety norms that we need to follow in order to stay safe and healthy. It's a global threat to the human species and we need to collectively fight to eradicate it from the face of our planet as soon as possible. I am not shooting but being very careful while traveling even around my area or for meetings.
Amrita Prakash: I'm petrified and am trying to be as cautious as I can about the Corona Virus spread. I don't think this is a faux 'scare' and I believe it is everyone's individual responsibility to take precautions, so we can help contain the spread. Unfortunately, no matter how many schools, colleges, and offices shut down- shoots will not be stopped. Cast and crew will are exposing themselves to great risks because we cannot avoid the interactions. All actors have multiple people touching their faces and hair. I am trying to take precautions in multiple ways - I sanitise every hour and ensure my makeup and hairdressing team does the same. Because those are the closest physical interactions. We are trying to incorporate the habit of doing namaste instead of shaking hands. And I am making sure I only use my own makeup and not share any brushes or makeup appliances. I am also trying to ensure I preach the importance of self-preservation to everyone. Because this virus is not a myth.
Vijyendra Kumeria: Everyone on the sets in alert and taking the precautionary measures. While the show must go on, everyone's health is very important.
It's heartening to see that the production house has gone all out to ensure that everyone on the sets is safe. They have distributed masks among the cast and crew. Proper sanitization is being ensured on the sets. If there is anyone sneezing or coughing, they are being sent home for proper medication and treatment. The production house is also taking care of the medical expenses. Even the people on sets are careful about not shaking hands, washing hands infrequent intervals.
Ridheema Tiwari: Every decade or so mother nature tests our immunity and our resilience. This time it is with the Coronavirus that has swept across China like a storm and is making many people sick and is proving to be fatal in certain cases. Keeping myself healthy and keeping my immunity strong has been a priority for me always. I eat lots of veggies and fruits, exercise, drink plenty of warm fluids, wash my hands often and most importantly see an Immunology Super specialist, who gives me my timely seasonal vaccines and also puts me on an Immune Detox Diet along with Immune Boosting Natural Supplements. All of this is necessary since the Coronavirus is mostly affecting those with weak immune systems like heart patients, diabetics and those above the age of 55 years.
Rishna Kandhari: As they say prevention is better than cure, people have to understand that instead of getting scared of the epidemic they should follow simple steps to prevent it. When The virus is exposed to 26 to 27° it gets killed as it does not live in the hot regions. Few precautions I'm following are washing my hands as often as possible, carrying sanitizer in my bag, opting for hot drinks instead of cold. My lifestyle is very disciplined and I prefer Namaste over handshakes anytime and I eat homemade simple vegetarian food. The economy has certainly affected the world over and people should not trust any unconfirmed news.