Coronavirus crisis is intensifying with each passing day. Till you get vaccinated masks seem to be the only effective way to protect oneself from the deadly virus. Wearing masks properly, maintaining social distancing and good personal hygiene are what needs to be followed by everyone to keep the virus in check.
The exponential jump in daily new cases has led to shortage of beds, medical oxygen and drugs like remdesivir, while the vaccination effort is also seen slowing down due to constraints of manufacturing capacity.
The second flow of Covid-19 is challenging more lives, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has prompted the private sector for assistance in this predicament.
Government and private hospitals are running out of beds, oxygen, and medical personnel, and also turning critically ill patients away. In this situation, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) published a circular saying that if a company sets up temporary Covid-19 hospitals and facilities, it is acceptable to be deemed as a CSR activity. It is further clarified by government that spending for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds will be eligible CSR activity under items of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to promotion of health care, including preventive health care and disaster management.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) clarified this by the following notification http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/GeneralCircularNo5_22042021.pdf on April 22,2021.
Under the companies law, certain class of profitable entities are required to spend at least 2 per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This incentive from government can be advantageous to all citizens of the country.
Various Central Ministries/ Departments/ PSUs have already dedicated COVID hospitals and COVID beds since the beginning of this pandemic and have also committed to continue doing so.
Further, in view of the ongoing work-from-home mode of working, one may have some vacant buildings at your disposal. One can consider converting these vacant office buildings to temporary COVID Care facilities with either isolation beds or a combination of isolation and oxygen beds to cater to rapidly increasing COVID caseload in many parts of the country, some of which may lie in the vicinity.
The government is looking for increased involvement of corporates in India to tackle the second wave of the pandemic, which has led to cases reaching record levels.
#Maskandmassappeal is a hashtag to be spread via this blog to all the citizens of the country to stay strong, safe and main proper hygenie and social distancing.
Mask appeal highlights the fact that wearing a mask (nowadays when two) can protect us from this dangerous wave, while it is not about just wearing a mask, it is also about wearing it properly.
So, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), masks are effective only when worn properly. It advises people to follow these steps to protect oneself from COVID-19 using masks:
- Properly wash hands before touching the mask
- Wear only clean, breathable face masks- medical or fabric. Do not re-wear the same mask as it could expose the person to contaminants
- Put on the mask, holding it by the ear loops and not the fabric. It should fit snugly against the sides of the face leaving no open spaces
- Press down on it over your nose for a more comfortable fit
- Make sure that nose, mouth and chin are covered
- After putting the mask on, one must not touch it again until it’s time to take it off
- Wash hands immediately after removing and disposing of the mask
While wearing a mask is an important measure of precaution against COVID-19, however, WHO also advises people to maintain at least one metre distance from others and wash hands frequently and thoroughly, even while wearing a mask.
Mass appeal highlights the fact that every individual/Companies should contribute to the society in this uncertain time. Individuals should try to help as much as possible to this time of need by supporting there family, friends or any person in need and Companies should come up with donation in form of CSR activities.
Thus #Maskandmassappeal is a request/appeal to all citizens to stay home, stay safe and stay strong. At the end of the day, the goals are simple: Safety and security of all and these two factors must be the highest law for India today.
Our prompt and targeted efforts will certainly help in providing the much needed relief to the citizens during this difficult time. So Let’s stay together and fight the second wave of Covid-19. An act of kindness is never wasted!
Lastly, Near, far, wherever you are……….make sure you’re practicing social distancing!
Don’t forgot the share this blog and spread our hashtag #Maskandmassappeal
+91 97234 00220
