A false sense of security is driving crowds during a pandemic

Although the danger of COVID-19 transmission is still high, the enthusiasm of the community has not diminished to welcome the easing of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). Apparently, this is because many people experienced a false sense of security during the pandemic.

A false sense of security could exacerbate the pandemic as public awareness of COVID-19 decreases. In fact, the risk of transmission is still the same as when the first cases were announced. So, where does this false sense of security come from and how to deal with it?

What is a false sense of security?

The government is now starting to loosen PSBB in several cities and is getting ready to start new normal . During this time of change, we not only faced the enemy in the form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but also the emergence of a false sense of security (false sense of security).

In the first weeks of the announcement of the COVID-19 case, the public was quickly swept away by panic. You yourself may have witnessed people flocking to hand masks, hand sanitizer , to basic necessities.

Self-quarantine has begun to take effect. Schools were closed, office workers began working at home, and public places were temporarily closed. Health advice containing COVID-19 prevention measures is echoed everywhere.

The community is now familiar with physical distancing , handwashing habits, and even bringing your own equipment. The use of masks is becoming increasingly common. From pedestrians to street vendors to children, you can find people wearing masks everywhere.

However, there is one drawback of masks that cannot be denied. The mask campaign during the pandemic left people experiencing a false sense of security. The use of masks makes many people feel protected from spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData

1,024,298

Confirmed

831,330

Recovered

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DeathDistribution Map

This is why you see people crowding the streets, the malls getting crowded, and CFDs swarming with visitors. People now dare to crowd because they feel protected by wearing masks.

In fact, wearing a mask is not enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) itself also opened its voice in the guidelines for the use of masks that were published on June 5, 2020.

Previously, WHO did not recommend the use of masks in healthy ordinary people. Masks were initially only recommended for sick people and those who have had contact with COVID-19 patients.

Now, everyone is advised to use a mask. People who are sick should stay at home, while people who experience symptoms of COVID-19 can consult a doctor and receive the necessary treatment.

Even though masks play an important role, WHO still reminds us that the main prevention remains with physical distancing and discipline to maintain cleanliness. Masks are a step that will complement any preventative measures.

Why is false security during a pandemic so dangerous?

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 is still as great as a few weeks ago. Instead of decreasing, the daily positive rate has even exceeded 1,000 cases. Without maintaining distance and discipline to wash your hands, you can still be infected even if you use a mask.

There are still many who do not wear masks properly. Masks are sometimes not used until they cover the nose or are removed carelessly. In fact, this action can reduce the efficacy of masks in preventing transmission.

Also, not all masks work equally well. When assessing its effectiveness, the best mask to prevent COVID-19 is the N95 mask. However, this mask cannot be used daily because it causes tightness.

Masks used by the general public are cloth masks. This type of mask is powerful enough for daily protection, but users must know how to wash and store masks properly to prevent contamination.

Masks do have an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, experts say that wearing a mask can prevent a second wave of COVID-19 that is feared to emerge in the coming months.

Even so, don't let this trap you in a false sense of security during the pandemic. Make sure you keep taking precautions to protect yourself and those closest to you from the risk of transmission.

The best way to avoid a false sense of security during a pandemic is to always be vigilant. Although new normal in sight, the positive numbers and the risk of transmission have not changed much.

When traveling outside, make sure you always keep your distance from other people. Follow the proper way to wear a mask, and keep yourself clean by washing your hands and cleaning frequently used items.