Thread by @DonitaJose

Covid maybe a pandemic, but stigma is a bigger pandemic. As a Covid-19 recovered patient, who unfortunately tested positive again, nearly 30 days after recovery in an RTPCR test, the stigma I faced can't be put to words. Sending others in similar boat lot of *hugs*

The worst part about Covid-19 stigma is being unforgiving to your own self. It is a daily battle to convince yourself that you are not infectious and then convince doubtful people around you about the same. Every new person is a new battle and there are more wounds than wins

Some things if you are Covid-19 positive :
1. In majority states you don't have to get a test done to prove you are negative after recovery. Virus is not infectious after 10 days of testing positive. If you want to err on side of precaution, 20 days.

2. RAT is preferred in most states to declare discharge of covid patients. RTPCR is not done in most govt facilities for discharge as it can detect dead virus as it did in my case. Dead virus detection can happen upto 3 months sometimes so don't even try it & hamper mental health

In all this, I must say I have found an undying solidarity, support and faith from other covid patients which I am still processing. It is precious when they just keep their hands on your shoulder or even come close and treat you normally when most others simply can't

In last 30+ days not a day goes by when I don't think of how we as a society demonized Tabligji Jamaat or the family from Ranni. They just behaved human when so little was known about covid. Be kind & learn from such stories without vilifying
I am guilty too & I hope it changes

Also governments like that of Kerala must make separate SOP for covid recovered travellers to their state. I was sent to an isolation center after my mandated RTPCR showed a positive result even though I recovered. (This was not by force but by choice cos I had comorbids at home)

Be kind, be kind is all I can repeat. Catching covid and seeing your body get confused every single day with new new symptoms and managing them all alone with no help is worse enough. Don't make it harder with judgement and anger on patients. They know so little about it like you

There is an army of us recovered patients and the world order must realign itself to accept it. Yes we may get reinfected but that's as much possible as anyone getting infected. Don't discriminate covid recovered and covid patients and blame them weeks after recovery
Peace out ✌️