Hygienic ways fallen by the wayside

THE signs urging handwashing and mask-wearing during the Covid-19 pandemic were once a symbol of our shared responsibility.

Today, instead of reminding us to stay vigilant, they seem to have become little more than relics.

Good habits that we adopted such as frequent handwashing, disinfecting shared surfaces and the use of sanitiser have been slowly abandoned.

It is disheartening to see this regression, especially in public places.

Of late, I have noticed dirty doorknobs and door handles smudged with finger grease.

These common surfaces, or fomites, where infectious microbes lie waiting, were once cleaned regularly.

During the height of the pandemic, cleaning routines were implemented almost everywhere, from offices to public transport and malls.

Door handles, lift buttons and other high-traffic areas were disinfected multiple times a day, providing not just hygiene but also peace of mind.

Those efforts were often accompanied by visible reminders such as signs and cleaning schedules placed in prominent spots, reassuring the public that safety was being prioritised.

Practices we learnt during the pandemic seem to have been forgotten. — Filepic

It helped instil trust and encouraged everyone to play a part in maintaining cleanliness.

This brings to mind a recent dining experience at a popular restaurant chain, which turned out to be unsettling after I was met with the unmistakable stench of a sour rag used to wipe tables.

To make matters worse, the same smell emanated from the banana leaf on which my meal was served.

Even if it was an isolated incident, it shows how lax hygiene standards can compromise public health.

With such neglect towards good hygiene practices these days, it feels like the valuable lessons on cleanliness gained during the pandemic have gone down the drain.

Are we willing to accept such standards?

Do we need another public health crisis to remind us of the importance of cleanliness?

On a related note, the neglect of hygiene extends beyond public spaces into food safety.

Just this year, several cases of food poisoning have been reported in the media, some involving schoolchildren.

It is a worrying trend that such incidents occur every other month, bearing in mind the unreported cases we remain unaware of.

The practices that protected us during the pandemic are neither complex nor burdensome.

Regular handwashing, proper sanitisation and careful food handling are small acts that can have a significant impact.

They reflect not only personal responsibility but also societal values.

Authorities have a duty to the public to step up with stricter regulations and regular inspections, ensuring that cleanliness is maintained.

Individuals too have to take responsibility, treating hygiene as a shared duty.

The pandemic taught us about the power of collective action.

We must do better to ensure the valuable lessons are not forgotten.