Updated: October 18, 2020 9:36:09 am
Omar Abdullah (Illustration: Suvajit Dey)
At the end of March, just as the first phase of the coronavirus lockdown was being applied, Omar Abdullah, 50, was released after almost eight months. Last week, the former J&K prime minister’s party, the National Conference, joined an alliance to seek the restoration of the former state’s special position by August 5, 2019. The former Union minister says that while has been taking precautions during the pandemic: “I don’t sit down and I obsess over it.”
What precautions are you taking?
The basic precautions that were recommended by the health authorities: social distancing, use of a mask and, sometimes, also a shield. I regularly wash my hands with soap for the recommended 20 seconds and also use sanitizer when necessary.
Have you been tested for Covid-19?
Yes, about six or seven times. Most of these tests were due to flights back to Srinagar and mandatory tests at the airport, but one or two were also due to contact with people who turned out to be Covid-19 positive.
Did you have to isolate yourself?
I was not required to be in self-isolation and luckily I have been able to stay with my family. After the blockage cleared, I was able to resume something akin to travel and work. Even during the strictest stage of the lockdown, we maintained a ‘Covid-19 bubble’ of two or three immediate family households and were able to spend time together.
What kind of gloves, mask do you wear?
I have not worn gloves at all. I wear a mask. At first I used medical grade masks bought from a pharmacy. Recently, cloth masks are available. I asked for some that I had seen on Instagram. My sister Sara runs an NGO and they sew beautiful cloth masks that my father and I use.
At work, what precautions do you take?
Social distancing, no physical contact, limit on the number of people in a room at a time, and regular hand washing … All recommended precautions to be taken. Wherever possible, interactions have been made using technology such as Zoom meetings and WhatsApp video calls.
Have you had to stay away from family?
I was unable to see my family in Delhi for over two months due to the pandemic.
Do you take any specific precautions while traveling?
Aside from the recommended precautions to be followed (a mask and protector with regular use of disinfectant), I also clean and clean the surfaces near me.
How much time do you spend in front of a screen?
It depends on what you mean by screen. I watch movies and TV shows for an hour or two at night. I go on and on social media during the day. I also read on a Kindle, so that makes another hour or two.
How can you stop thinking about the pandemic?
I make no conscious effort to distract myself from the pandemic. Covid-19 is a reality we have to live with… I don’t feel obsessed with it. As long as we follow basic precautions, there is no reason to live in fear….
What is the first thing you want to do when the pandemic has passed?
Take a vacation in a nice place. Between my detention and the Covid-19 restrictions, I have not been able to travel anywhere for over a year.
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