Subject: Ideas to reduce Covid-19 infections

Dear Mr. Hock Yu,

In the last 2 years, the covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in the world. With cases on the surge, the most
vulnerable population is that of the elderly. Age is the most important factor for severe illness and high mortality
rate due to this deadly virus. Elderly are prone to contracting the virus at an increasing rate and also be adversely
affected by it.

The government has taken sufficient measures to curb the spread of covid-19, such as making it mandatory for
everyone above the age of 6 to wear masks while going out. Even though most of the people follow these rules
diligently, the elderly have trouble complying to it and are often seen wearing masks inappropriately. I talked to a
few elderly people in the park and understood their point of view.

Firstly, discomfort is the most important factor for not wearing masks. The most popular and widely available
surgical masks are made from synthetic materials which can cause irritation to the skin, suffocation due to non-
porosity of the material and discomfort in the neck and ears. These masks can aggravate breathing difficulties and
other diseases. Moreover, the elderly are not aware about their vulnerability to the virus and the advantages of
wearing a mask.

While authoritative measures and penalties for non-compliance are effective strategies to persuade the general
population for wearing masks, I feel that for elderly a different approach should be used. Awareness should be
created about the catastrophic effects of the pandemic and how their age group is at a disadvantage. This can be
done by circulating posters, publishing articles in the newspapers and releasing advertisements on the radio,
television and billboards.

Furthermore, breathable cotton masks, having adequate ventilation that tie behind the head can be distributed to
help alleviate their issues regarding the discomfort of masks. They can be made available free of cost to the elderly
as an incentive for them to use it and encourage a positive attitude towards wearing masks. These masks can be
distributed in parks, cultural clubs and other public places where the elderly usually go to.

I’m sure by allocating a certain budget for this purpose and implementing some of these ideas, the elderly will
understand the importance of wearing masks in a proper manner and this will ameliorate the present situation.
Thank you for your time and patience.

Sincerely,
Yashvi Makharia.