#IAmResponsible: Dubai-based homemaker's pandemic fight begins at home

Dubai - Since early March, she has put her efforts to combat coronavirus on a war-footing with her own sanitisation drive at home.

Keep your mask up, wash your hands and don't stand too close to others ?- sounds simple, doesn't it? And yet, the irresponsible actions of a few have led to a surge in daily Covid-19 cases in the UAE. This two-week ?campaign reminds you how simple the safety rules are and how most residents have consciously adopted the new normal. In this series, Khaleej Times will feature responsible residents who have changed their lifestyles to keep their communities safe. If they can do it, so can you.
Cleanliness and safety at home are the key focus of Reshmi Bose, a Dubai-based homemaker, as the UAE tries to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Since early March, she has put her efforts to combat coronavirus on a war-footing with her own sanitisation drive at home. Reshmi charted out a new set of rules to follow for her husband and two children - Saanvi and Gautam.
The first and foremost step was to relentlessly support the #StayHome campaign. The other rules included eating healthy, exercising, frequent washing of hands and using of sanitisers, saying no to any weekend get-togethers and carrying out all possible activities and meetings through virtual platforms. Additionally, there was weekly disinfection done through a cleaning agency.
"If every home takes preventive measures, it will reflect on society. This talk of second wave is a bit scary. The spike in cases speaks for itself. We have to tighten up our guards. I do continue to buy groceries online. I clean all products thoroughly, unbox contents and bin the covers bought from the market."
As a mother, Reshmi had a tough time keeping her kids home, but even that battle has been eventually won. "Initially, it was very hard for me to make them understand the importance of preventive measures. But with all the awareness drives they saw and read online, they now pay heed to my requests. They don't go out to play in the evenings. I have also opted for distance learning for my children. Their extra-curricular activities like piano and music classes continue online," pointed out Reshmi.
Reshmi and her husband have also put on hold their favourite indulgences. "My husband has not yet started with his cricket season, which normally starts by September. I am a classical dance enthusiast and I miss my dance studio. Fortunately, my dance institute Gurukul Dubai has come up with online classes."
Reshmi urged every woman in the home to step up the fight against the pandemic and act responsibly. "Let's play our part in the UAE's battle against coronavirus."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai