Things to remember before and after visiting cattle markets

Our way of life has changed to a great extent due to the worldwide outbreak of novel coronavirus. Things that used to be important in healthcare are now an essential part of our lives.

Religious festivals come and go by. Holy Eid-ul-Azha is knocking at door as the pandemic rages on. At this time of the year, there are cattle markets all over the country. People also crowd in the malls.

The administration has been encouraging for online animal markets this time. But not everyone is used to shopping online. Many people in urban and rural areas may not avail the online facility. Therefore, people must follow the hygiene rules while going to cattle markets. The same applies to those going to the kitchen markets as people have to buy various essentials during Eid -- from malls to the spice markets. There are only a handful of people who maintain physical distance and follow hygiene rules. However, at this time, as there will be more crowds in the mall or markets, one has to think about own safety.

Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), said the animal market is a risky place for spreading coronavirus infection this time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says in many cases the virus can be airborne in limited numbers in crowded places.

However, if one goes to the market, he/she must maintain a physical distance from others. It is also important to use face masks, gloves and goggles or face shields to prevent infection. They must wash their hands frequently. Older people or children should avoid these places.

Masks, gloves, goggles or face shields are often seen lying on the street or around shops. These wastes may contain germs. It is better to be careful and avoid touching those. If you touch these things or bring them home on foot, the risk of infection will increase. We should also put the used items in a bag and throw away the garbage. However, if a person infected with coronavirus sneezes near an animal without wearing a mask, the virus remains on the animal's skin. In that case, if a healthy person touches the animal, he too will be infected with the virus. It is better not to touch the animal in the cattle market and to try to avoid going to the market several times.

In addition, those who have sores on their feet, they should refrain from going to the mall or cattle markets. Coronavirus infections can easily occur from foot wounds. Even those who do not have sores on their feet are advised not to wear sandals but covered shoes or long boots.

· Using a mask alone is not the only solution. People you talk to must also use a mask. In that case the risk of infection is reduced by 95 per cent.

· Maintain safe distance from the storekeeper and other customers while shopping.

· It is very important to use gloves on both hands before going to the market.

· Wash your hands with soapy water or disinfectant every one hour. The face cannot be touched with unclean hands.

· After returning from the market or malls, take off the mask and gloves and put it in a packet and throw in the basket. Then, without coming in contact with anyone, go straight to the bathroom and take a bath with soap. Wash the clothes, too.

· Remove bags from purchased items. If the items are raw, wash them properly.

* The piece, originally published in the print edition of Prothom Alo, has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat