Dr Jacob John spreads newspaper outside his house to kill virus 
Tamil Nadu

How an eminent virologist handles the virus threat

From masks, handwashing to even waiting for a few hours before touching newspaper and vegetable, eminent virologist Dr T Jacob John, the former head of Virolgy department at CMC Hospital, Vellore, leaves nothing for chance while going about his day-to-day routine.

migrator

Vellore

“My wife and I wear masks when we go out and whenever somebody comes to our house, including the domestic worker. Washing hands regularly is now a habit. When vegetables are brought to our house, we ask it to be left within the compound. We do not touch it for four hours, as the virus does not survive more than that in the atmosphere,” he told this newspaper.

Dr John follows the same procedure even while fetching the newspaper. Every morning, he would spread the sheets and leave them in the open for 30 minutes before bringing it into the house, he added. In the case of non-vegetarian food, the family leaves in the open or keep it in the freezer, and ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.

Precautions are taking even when talking to his children and grandchildren, with whom he talks across the gate. “If they want to come in, all of us wear masks,” he said. Wearing masks makes it safe to come as close at two feet of the other person, the virologist added. “The advantage of cloth masks is that after using it for 4-5 hours, it can be washed with soap and water, dried and used again.”

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

ISRO deploys BlueBird-6 in record mission; Kulasekarapattinam launch complex set for 2027, says chairman

TN CM, Palaniswami pay tributes to Periyar on 52nd death anniversary

Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system

MGR was 'golden chapter' of TN’s political history: Palaniswami

Bangladesh govt to take responsibility of slain Hindu worker's family: Adviser