-*Dr. S. Vijay Kumar
In the human
history, nothing has killed more human beings than the viruses, bacteria and
parasites that cause diseases. Not even, natural disasters like earthquakes,
volcanoes or war. The recent “2019 navel
corona virus” is a RNA Virus, announced as Covid 19 by WHO. Co stands for
Corona; Vid stands for virus disease and 19 stands for 2019. It was first reported in
Dec, 2019 from China's Wuhan city. The WHO declared the virus as a global pandemic on 11th March,
2020. The first infected humans by corona virus was in 2002 in China but, identified in 2003 with Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic. A second outbreak of severe illness began in 2012 in
Saudi Arabia with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). On December 31st, 2019 Chinese authorities alerted the
World Health Organization about the outbreak of Covid 19. On January 30th, 2020 WHO declared
corona virus a global emergency. WHO says, Covid
19 is more than 10 times deadly than swine flu.
Origins of the Covid 19: According to the findings of Andersen and his collaborators published in the journal “Nature
Medicine” concluded that the novel SARS-CoV-2 corona virus (Covid
19) is the product of natural evolution and not the product of genetic
engineering. Most likely origins for this virus having one of two
possible scenarios. In one scenario, the virus evolved to its
current pathogenic state through natural selection in a non-human
host and then jumped to humans. The researchers proposed bats as the
most likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 as it is very similar to a bat
coronavirus. The current epidemic would probably have emerged rapidly as
soon as humans were infected, as the virus would have already evolved the
features that make it pathogenic (viruses, bacteria, other germs that cause disease) and able to spread between people. In the other proposed
scenario, a non-pathogenic version of the virus jumped from an animal
host into humans and then evolved to its current pathogenic state within the
human population. But, the chances are lower of a non-pathogenic
coronavirus entering the human population and then evolving properties similar
to SARS-CoV-2.
*Professor (Associate) & Head (Retd.), Department of
Economics, Former Member of Board of Studies, Kakatiya University, Warangal.
Kakatiya Govt. UG&PG College, Hanamkonda, Warangal. Telangana State.
Out Break of Covid 19: On January
30th 2020, WHO declared corona virus a global emergency. By that time, India and the Philippines
confirmed their first cases of the virus, with one infected patient in each
country. The
World Health Organization declared the virus as a global pandemic on
11/03/2020. This virus has spread to more than 240 countries around the world. COVID-19 symptoms are fever, tiredness, dry
cough, aches, pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea and
breathing difficulties. Recent new symptoms are loss of smell or taste,
intense chills with shivering, pink
eyes. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute
respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and death. The COVID-19 infection will spread
from one person to others via droplets produced from the respiratory system of
infected people, often during coughing or sneezing, touching any infected
surface or cloth and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes can transmit the
disease. Some people with the infection, but without any serious symptoms
can also spread the disease. According to current data, time from exposure
to onset of symptoms is usually between 1-14 days, with an average of 5-6 days.
In some cases, it may be 24-27 days. 3-8 weeks for patients with severe or
critical disease.
|
World &
Countries
|
Total Infected
|
Total
Recovered
|
Recovery
Rate
(%)
|
Total
Deaths
|
Death Rate
(%)
|
Active
Cases
(Total Cases –
Total Deaths + Total Recovered)
|
|
World
|
32,61,893
|
1,010,659
|
30.9
|
2,29,714
|
7.0
|
29,21,520
|
|
USA
|
10,65,444
|
1,47,411
|
13.8
|
61,704
|
5.7
|
8,56,329
|
|
Spain
|
2,36,899
|
1,32,929
|
56.1
|
24,275
|
10.2
|
79,695
|
|
Italy
|
2,03,591
|
71,252
|
34.9
|
27,682
|
13.5
|
1,04,657
|
|
France
|
1,66,420
|
48,228
|
28.9
|
24,087
|
14.4
|
94,105
|
Covid
19: India, Telangana, 3 States (More Cases), 3 States (Best Performed) & 3 States/UTs
(Zero Cases) As on 30/04/2020:
|
India,
Telangana & Other States
|
Total Infected
(Confirmed)
|
Total
Recovered
|
Recovery
Rate
(%)
|
Total
Deaths
(Deceased)
|
Death
Rate
(%)
|
Doubling
Rate
|
Active
Cases
(Total
Cases –
Total
Deaths +
Total
Recovered)
|
|
India
|
34313
|
8853
|
25.8
|
1140
|
3.3
|
11
Days
|
24,320
|
|
Telangana
|
1012
|
367
|
36.2
|
26
|
2.5
|
70.8
Days
|
619
|
|
More
Cases
Maharashtra
|
10512
|
1798
|
17.1
|
464
|
4.4
|
10
Days
|
8,250
|
|
Gujarat
|
4390
|
620
|
14.1
|
213
|
4.8
|
10
Days
|
3,557
|
|
NCT
of Delhi
|
3564
|
1106
|
31.0
|
58
|
1.6
|
13
Days
|
2,400
|
|
Best
Performed
Haryana
|
310
|
209
|
67.4
|
3
|
0.96
|
25
Days
|
98
|
|
Kerala
|
604
|
379
|
62.7
|
4
|
0.66
|
37.5 Days
|
221
|
|
Tamilnadu
|
2266
|
1252
|
55.2
|
29
|
1.2
|
19.1
Days
|
|
|
Zero
Cases
Daman
& Diu
Sikkim
Nagaland
Dadra
& Nagar Haveli
Lakshadweep
|
0
|
0
|
----------
|
0
|
-------
|
----------
|
----------
|
Source:
GOI, Aarogya Setu App. Note:
Performance of a State depend upon Recovery Rate, Death Rate & Doubling
Rate.
Reasons for Spread of Covid 19:
1.
Negligence
of China: China did not take immediate action and not alerted
the WHO in time during COVID-19. This is confirmed by “Wuhan Diary” written by
Wang Fang. In her online diary she mentioned "A doctor friend said to me: in
fact, we doctors have all known for a while that there is a human-to-human
transmission of the disease, we reported this to our superiors, but yet nobody
warned people" she also wrote about shortage of masks. Today, because of China,
Covid 19 has become Global Pandemic and whole world is suffering.
2. Indian Government’s Action: The WHO declared corona virus as a global
emergency on 30th January, 2020 and the first case of Covid 19 was also reported on the same day in India. But, the Government did
not stop the travelers from abroad to India till 12/03/2020. Covid 19 imported to
India through foreigners. Though, Government had initiated action, if it had
acted much earlier as a preventive measure, the number of cases would have been
much lesser than today.
3. US
President Trump said Covid 19 - A Hoax: He has under estimated the
impact of Covid 19 even after seeing several deaths in Italy and Spain and
delayed the action. Hence, the number of cases are increasing in US very
rapidly and huge number of people are infected and dying daily.
4.
Stages of Covid 19: According to Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR), there are four states of Covid 19 disease:
·
Stage 1: Imported cases.
·
Stage 2: Local transmission.
·
Stage 3: Community transmission.
·
Stage 4: Epidemic.
At
present India is at 2nd Stage, experts say that as stern precautions were being
taken, we do not go to 3rd Stage, which has happened in other countries like
Italy, China, US and Europe. If entered the 3rd Stage i.e.
Community transmission takes place and becomes epidemic and spreads violently
which causes thousands of deaths per day. According to ICMR, one covid-19 patient could potentially infect 406 people in
30 days, if he/she doesn’t practice social distancing.
5.
Insufficient number of Hospitals,
Doctors, Nurses and Paramedical Medical Staff: This
is also one of the reasons for rapid increase of Covid 19 cases.
6. Poor
Public Response: If public do not respond to the instructions of government,
medical staff and police, number of Covid 19 cases will increase with in no
time.
7. Poor
Awareness in the Public: People not having sufficient information
about the Covid 19 will increase the cases.
8. Poor
Social Responsibility: This will augment and spread number of Covid
19 in the country.
9.
Insufficient Virology Test Labs and
Required Medical Equipment: This is also important factor which will
increase Covid 19 cases.
10. Tablighi Jamaat meet turns Covid-19 Super Spreader: Due
to Markaz International Religious
Congregation 80% of the Covid 19 cases are confirmed from the Muslims who
have attended Tablighi Jamaat Markaz.
11. Delay
in Response: In Italy, Spain and in other countries delay in response has
contributed to the spread of Covid 19.
12. Patients
Misbehaving with Doctors: Some
people and patients especially Muslims who attended Delhi Nizamuddin Markaz
religious congregation are misbehaved with medical staff, which aggravated the
situation. This is highly deplorable.
13.
Doctors Complaints: In some States of India Doctors are complaining that they have
not been provided with required safety equipment, staff, medicines and
lifesaving ventilators. This may lead to the spread of Covid 19 cases.
14.
Neglecting Preventive Measures: We
all know that “Prevention is better than cure”: Neglecting preventive
measures will spread Covid 19 cases at jet speed and will lead to several
deaths.
15.
Scarcity of Hospitals, Doctors, Medicines, Medical Equipment & PPEs.
Covid 19 – A Bio Warfare Virus?: Till date, there is no
established proof that it has been created in a lab for bio warfare. In fact, the scientists concluded that it was the result of
natural selection and not the product of genetic engineering. Recently, WHO
also confirmed the same. Though, US President Trump called Covid 19 as
“Chinees Virus”, no evidence shown. Moreover, within a short time he sought China’s help to combat Covid
19 collectively.
Democracy
Vs Dictatorship: Amartya Sen has rightly
pointed out that where democracy prevails, governments will take care of public
welfare. In contrast to this, dictatorship governments will neglect public
welfare. This is clearly evident from the recent outbreak of Covid 19 in China.
Though, first case in China suffering from COVID-19 can be traced back to November 17, 2019 and Dr Li
Wenliang, when he first wrote about the virus on social media on December 30,
2019, who later died of COVID-19, was warned by local police. Thus, because of negligence of China, Covid
19 has become a Global Pandemic.
Covid 19 - A Pandemic Crisis - Impact on
World & India: IMF says this pandemic is much bigger than 2008
financial crisis. UN Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTD) estimates the economic impact at a minimum of $1 trillion
in 2020. As China being a major manufacturing hub, the outbreak of Covid 19 has
been seen to pose a major destabilizing threat to the global economy, concerns have shifted
from supply-side manufacturing issues to decreased business in the services
sector. There have been widespread reports of supply shortages of
pharmaceuticals, masks with many areas seeing panic buying and consequent
shortages of food and other essential grocery items. Some sellers are
exploiting this situation and resorting to black marketing and selling the
goods at exuberance prices. The technology industry, in particular, has been
warning about delays to shipments of electronic goods. Dr. Panos Kouvelis, Director of
"The Boeing Center" at Washington University in St. Louis, estimates
a $300 + billion impact on world's supply chain that could last up to two
years. The Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reportedly "scrambled" after
a steep decline in oil prices due to lower demand. Due to a
significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, by 28 February 2020, Stock
Markets worldwide saw their largest single-week declines since the “2008
Financial Crisis”. As the pandemic spreads, global conferences and events
across technology, fashion, and sports are being cancelled or postponed. While
the monetary impact on the travel and trade industry is yet to be estimated, it
is likely to be in billions and increasing. News reports indicating that the
effect of Covid 19 on the US economy will be worse than expected. The pandemic has
affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the widespread closures of
schools and universities. According to data released by UNESCO on 25/03/2020
schools and universities closures due to COVID-19 were implemented nationwide
in 165 countries. This affects over 1.5 billion students worldwide, accounting
for 87% of enrolled learners. Shops and
malls closed. In many of the world's major cities, planned travel went
down by 80-90%. International Air Transport Association has predicted on
7/03/2020 that nearly 25 million jobs are at risk due to Covid 19 crisis. It
is estimated that the impact of Covid 19 is more than the attacks on WTC (11/09/2001).
In India, the
first case of Covid 19 was reported on 30/01/2020. The outbreak has been declared an epidemic in more
than a dozen states and union territories, where provisions of the “Epidemic
Disease Act 1897” have been invoked, educational institutions, many
commercial establishments have been shut down and suspended all tourist visas,
as a majority of the confirmed cases were linked to other countries. On 2/03/2020,
the BSE SENSEX witnessed a flash crash. After WHO's declaration
of the outbreak as a pandemic (11/03/2020), next day itself i.e. on 12/03/2020 Indian
stock markets suffered their worst crash since June 2017. On 22/03/2020, India
observed a 14-hour voluntary public curfew at the insistence of the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. Further, PM announced 21 days lock down from
25/03/2020 to 14/04/2020. Lock down is further extended from 14/04/2020 to 3/05/2020
with conditions by creating “Hot Spots” to contain Covid 19. To prepare themselves for
likely emergencies, with the Covid-19, the public cash withdrawals from banks,
hit a 16-month high, they withdrew ₹53,000 crore during the fortnight ended
March 13, according to the data released by the RBI. A UN report estimated a trade impact of US$348 million on India
due to the outbreak, making India one of the 15 worst affected economies across
the world. Asian Development Bank has estimated that the
outbreak could cause losses of up to US$29.9 billion to India's economy and GDP may fall up to 1% in the financial
year 2020-21. It could lose an estimated three million tourists in the
calendar year 2020 and foreign exchange of about $7 billion in related sectors.
The WHO Executive Director Michel
Ryan said that Covid 19 impact on India will be enormous. Economic
devastation caused by the lockdown has huge effects on migrant labourers,
informal workers, micro and small enterprises, farmers and the self-employed,
who are left with no livelihood in the absence of transportation and access to
markets. Due to lock down effect 90% of the trucks are off the road. According to ILO, 400 million Indian workers may sink
into poverty. All
these problems hitting the world of work from multiple directions, companies
are finding it difficult to sustain in this environment. They are forced to
take tough decisions such as cutting down the salaries, giving pink slips to
employees and opting for other cost-cutting measures. Telangana and A.P States
has resorted to cuts in the salaries of public representatives, government
employees and pensioners. Central
Government announced that DA and DR of employees and pensioners will be frozen
from 1st January, 2020 to January, 2021. While it makes all the
sense in the world to stay at home and work, rather than be in a crowded office
environment, it is affecting the non-IT companies, especially the small
and medium enterprises (SMBs). The outbreak has presented new roadblocks for
the Indian workforce and especially for the daily wage and contractual workers.
It is reported in Poona that domestic violence increased during the lockdown
period.
Covid 19 – A Blessing in Disguise: It is a blessing in
disguise for the planet as Climate Scientists forecast a drop in carbon
emissions, Which improved the quality
of air. The Indian sector has long been dependent on China to
critical source imports. The good sign is now, a $163 billion
Chemical industry struggles to reduce its dependency on Chinese imports. Including
USA realized that dependence on China for its essential medicines is dangerous.
The large scale lockdowns across the
globe has led to decrease in carbon emissions which will ultimately benefit the
planet. Reduction in energy use and emissions mostly due to drop in electricity
use, industrial production and transport benefitted the countries across the
world. Analysis from Stanford University found the drop in nitrogen dioxide
across the planet could save large number of lives. Environmentalists have calculated
that the pollution reduction has saved several lives across the globe. Current Covid
19 pandemic threat has opened new ways like offering online classes on sustainability, life skills on
communication, stress management, mental health, yoga etc. By taking advantage of this situation, we can ensure through
E-learning that education does not come to a standstill and every child receives
the education they rightly deserve. We can
also make use of this situation to read a books, writing, listen to music,
learn something new, talk to a loved one, relatives and friends, seek spiritual
comfort.
Indian Traditions to
combat Covid 19: As Covid 19 is spreading all over the
world and creating havoc, “Indian Namasthe” is becoming popular across the
globe to avoid physical contact. Ministry of AYUSH is advising to use traditional ancient medicines
like Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and
Homoeopathy to contain Covid 19.
MYTH
1: EATING GARLIC OR LEMON (AND OTHER FOODS COMMONLY USED AS HOME REMEDIES
FOR FLU AND COMMON COLD) CAN HELP TO PREVENT INFECTION OF COVID 19. ThIS IS
FALSE.
FACT: Garlic
is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. Similarly,
vitamin C is an essential nutrient that can support immune function. However, there
is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic or lemon (or other
foods for that matter) has protected people from Covid 19.
MYTH 2: REGULARLY
GARGLING WITH SALTWATER OR SALINE CAN HELP TO PREVENT INFECTION WITH THE COVID
19, AS WELL AS DRINKING WATER TO “FLUSH” THE VIRUS FROM MOUTH. This is false.
FACT: There
is no evidence that regularly gargling has protected people from infection with
Covid 19. While this may help soothe a sore throat, but this practice will
not prevent the virus from entering the lungs—neither will drinking frequent
sips of water.
MYTH 3: DRINKING WARM
WATER AND GETTING ENOUGH SUNLIGHT ARE EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING COVID-19. this
is false.
FACT: Drinking
warm water and getting enough sunlight may have health benefits. Sunlight is
good to get Vitamin D, but too much exposure to sunlight may also lead to
sunburn.
MYTH 4: TAKING A HOT
BATH CAN PREVENT civid 19. this is false.
FACT.
Taking hot bath will not prevent from catching COVID-19.
MYTH 5: HAND DRYERS
ARE EFFECTIVE IN KILLING COVID 19. this is false.
FACT: Hand
dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19.
MYTH 6: SPRAYING,
drinking ALCOHOL OR CHLORINE ALL OVER THE BODY CAN KILL covid 19. this is
false.
FACT: Spraying,
drinking alcohol or chlorine all over the body will not kill the viruses.
MYTH 7: VACCINES
AGAINST PNEUMONIA CAN PROTECT from covid 19.
this is false.
FACT: No
Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Hemophilus
influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the Covid 19.
This virus is so new and different, it needs its own vaccine.
MYTH 8: THE NEW
CORONAVIRUS CAN BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH MOSQUITO BITES. this is false.
FACT: Till
date, there is no evidence that Covid 19 could be transmitted by mosquitoes
bites.
MYTH 9: covid 19 AFFECTS ONLY OLDER PEOPLE. this
is false.
FACT: People of ALL
AGES can be infected by Covid 19. Ofcourse, old people and people with
pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) are more
vulnerable to Covid 19. WHO advises people of all ages to take appropriate steps
to protect themselves from this virus.
HOW
LONG CAN COVID 19 VIRUS LIVE ON SURFACES?: According
to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine,
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can live in the air and on surfaces
between several hours and several days. The study found that the virus is
viable for up to 72 hours on plastics, 48 hours on stainless steel, 24 hours on
cardboard, and 4 hours on copper. It is also detectable in the air for three
hours. But
the important point one should know is that the virus that remains is less than 0.1% of the starting
virus material.
IMPACT
OF SUMMAR ON COVID 19:
Recently, US Scientists observed that “Solar
light appears to have on killing the virus, both surfaces and in the air,
increasing the temperature and humidity or both is generally less favorable to
the virus. Summer like conditions will create an environment (where)
transmission can be decreased”. But the rate of infection is likely to increase
in fall and winter.
COVID-19, airborne transmission may be
possible? To date, there is no concrete evidence
in this regard. But it is a droplet transmission.
Covid
19 virus's viability
in exposure to heat or cold: There is no
evidence, but an unpublished research predicts
that temperate
warm and cold climates are the most vulnerable and Tropical parts of the world are likely
to be least affected.
State Role to Contain Covid 19:
·
First of all, immediately declaring
“Health Emergency” in the country.
·
Alert the public regarding their social
responsibility.
·
Stopping the people who are travelling
from abroad and arriving the country.
·
Providing sufficient funds, medicines and
equipment.
·
Like China, if existing hospitals and beds
are not sufficient, immediately without loss of time, additional temporary
hospitals should be constructed, and the number of beds should be increased.
·
Additional number of doctors, nurses and
para medical staff should be appointed according to the requirement.
·
Local governments should keep their
villages, towns, cities and metros cleanly.
·
Above all, COMMITMENT of the Government is
very essential. Because, as the saying goes “Yadha Raja Thadha Praja”, people
will follow the Government.
·
If necessary, government should declare
ESMA (Essential Maintenance Service Act) to obtain health services (Doctors and
Hospitals).
Social/Public
Responsibility to Contain Covid 19:
·
At this juncture of pandemic, public MUST
support the government scrupulously in all respects and they should realize
that government is there for their welfare only.
·
For their safety and for the safety of the
whole society, they should stay safely in their homes, support the government and realize their social
responsibility.
·
Public should not belief the unscientific
methods and treatments which are circulating in social media i.e. in YouTube,
Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
·
Dissemination of scientific information and to spread only
necessary correct preventive steps to be followed to contain Covid 19.
·
Spreading of superstitions is an offence
and punishable, hence one should avoid.
·
Supporting the doctors is vital. They
should listen and follow what they say.
·
People should contribute liberally
donations to the PM & CMs Relief Fund.
·
Maintaining neatness and keeping their
surroundings cleanly.
NGOs Role: In this crisis, all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) MUST
support the government and extend all help to the public.
Medical & Health Role to Contain Covid 19:
·
All the medical staff - doctors, nurses,
para medical MUST work with COMMITMENT and RESPONSIBILITY.
·
As a social responsibility they
should inform the public through social
media regarding the preventive steps to be taken to contain Covid 19.
·
They should inform the government and get
the required safety tools, medicines,
medical equipment, and additional staff immediately.
·
They should also alert the government
regarding the establishment of new Virology Testing Labs, R&D Centers, and
other requirements if any.
Police Role
to Control to Covid 19:
·
Police should pay a key role in this
crisis to make lock down a success.
·
Police MUST NOT behave rudely and caning
the public by following traditional methods of punishment, instead through
counselling they should convince them.
They should act as a liaison between the
public and government.
Preventive Measures to Combat Covid 19: We
all know that “Prevention is better than cure”. Hence, we should all
follow the following preventive measures:
1. Spreading
key measures to prevent the Covid 19 infection.
2. Taking
actions for early detection and referral of suspected COVID-19 cases.
3. Maintain
Social Distance. It will slow the
virus down.
4.
Avoiding gatherings in melas, markets, gatherings in religious places, social
functions etc.
5.
Staying at home.
6.
Avoiding physical contact like handshakes, hand holding or hugs.
7.
Avoiding touching surfaces such as table tops, chairs, door handles etc.
8.
Washing hands frequently with soap water/sanitizer
9.
Avoid sharing of objects like pen, paper, phone etc.
10.
While coughing or sneezing covering nose and mouth with handkerchief. Washing the
handkerchief at least once daily.
11.
It is preferable to cough/sneeze into bent elbow rather than in palms.
14.
Following persons should be quarantined for 14 days at home as a precaution:
(a).
People who have travelled to COVID 19 affected countries/areas in past 14 days.
(b).
Those who have come in close contact with a suspected/confirmed COVID 19
patient.
(c).
Those who develop symptoms of Covid 19.
(d). Even
people with the Covid 19 infection, but no symptoms.
16.
If symptoms become severe, concerned person should call helpline or visit a
health facility.
17.
Sharing the information about people who have travelled to other countries or
other states inside India in last 14 days.
18. Monitoring
the people who have developed the symptoms of COVID-19.
19.
To give instructions to the persons being Home Quarantined and to ask them to
stay in a separate room at home, if possible with an attached/separate toilet.
20.
Infected persons/others who go out of
homes should wear a mask/clean cloth.
21.
Not to touch eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands.
22.
Ensure that the surfaces and objects are regularly cleaned.
23. Prophylactic
treatment should be given.
24. Take
care of older people, pregnant women, newborns, sick children, Post Natal.
25. Avoid
unnecessary visits to medical facilities so that doctors can serve better Covid
19 effected patients.
Recent Updates of Covid 19: Central Government divided districts/areas
in to Red, Orange, and Green Zones. Where
sizeable number of cases (80%) were detected in the last 14 days are declared
as Red Zones or Hotspots. In these areas all activities, except
essential services like medical emergencies and law enforcement, will be
stopped. Where
only a few cases were found in the past 14 days with no increase in the number
of positive cases are declared as Orange Zones. Where there is no
single case of COVID-19 in the last 28 days are called Green Zones. In green and orange zones limited
public transport, some agricultural activities with strict guidelines like social distancing are allowed. In these two
zones, MSMEs and MNREGA will resume operations. In India, 400 districts
were declared as Green Zones. On
the basis of above said rules the zones will change. The containment zones are
marked if more than 4 cases of Covid-19 are reported. Scientists at Delhi’s CSIR - IGIB have developed a paper-based test strip
called “Feluda Test” for Covid-19. This test is 100 per cent accurate and cheap. Government
recommended to download “Arogya Setu App” which
is a coronavirus tracker can help a user to identify possible coronavirus
'hotspot'. In Kerala, Covid 19 curve flattened, while in Telangana the curve
started bending downward. Coronavirus mortality rate in Kerala is 0.66% but in the world
it is 7%. The current (As on
30/04/2020) fatality rate for Covid-19 is 3.2 per cent in the country, with 65
per cent of the victims being males and 35 per cent females. “Looking at the
age distribution of the deaths, 14 per cent case fatality was seen below 45 years,
34.8 per cent between 45-60 years and a 51.2% case fatality was noted among
those above 60 years. “Further, if we divide the mortality cases above 60
years, then we see that the mortality has been 42 per cent in the age group of
60-75 years and 9.2 per cent in those above 75 years”. In
India, due to lockdown impact, Covid-19 cases doubling
rate slows down from 3.5 days to 11 days and recovery rate is 25.8%, while in Haryana
and Kerala it is 67.4% and 62.7%. On 30/04/2020, Government passed an order to allow inter-state
movement of migrants, students and others to reach their respective
destinations, subject to certain conditions i.e. they should travel by bus with
all preventive measures. It is declared that Oxford
Vaccine Group, UK’s “Super Vaccine” for
Covid 19 will be ready by Sept/Oct, 2020. It will be manufactured in
India also. Started its clinical trial on Elisa Granato, the first volunteer in
an initial group of 800. Covid toes infection among kids, a new symptom
of navel corona virus is reported from Italy and Boston, US. Some doctors
reported it as “Covid Toes”. Chinese top scientists say that Covid 19 will not
be eradicated and will likely return in waves like flu.
Challenges of Covid 19: The
following are the challenges of Covid 19:
1.
Prevention: Implementation
of preventive measures.
2.
Government: Decisive
government leadership.
3.
Information
to the Public: Spreading information to the public
widely.
4.
Public
Response: People support to government.
5.
Detection
and Reporting: Early detection and reporting for
epidemics of potential international concern.
6.
Evaluation: Evaluation
of medical resources and response systems.
Measures/Lessons for Future:
·
Ensure correct detection and
diagnosis of viral diseases.
·
Providing
clear guidance to the public about the degree and scope of lockdowns.
·
Implementation
of preventive measures down to individuals is vital.
·
Stern
action against the people who are not cooperating to combat Covid 19.
·
Keeping
essentials like food and supplies flowing through organized,
government-controlled arrangements.
·
Designating
infectious disease care and management facilities to isolate, monitor and treat
positive cases.
·
Establishing
electronic recording and tracking systems and local response teams to handle
identified cases 24/7.
·
Establishing
centralized reporting and communication channels to keep citizens informed.
·
To eliminate the source of infection,
prevention and control is essential.
·
Government should encourage Research
& Development by providing more funds to prepare vaccine and medicines to
contain viral diseases.
·
Establish more Virology Labs to test
the viral diseases.
·
A “Comprehensive Health System”
should be designed to face viruses like Covid 19 in future.
·
At present India
is just spending 1.17% of the GDP on health (National Health Profile 2019). It
should be raised at least to 5-6 percent of GDP.
·
While protecting the health of the
public, it is the primary duty of the governments to protect the livelihood of
the public. Hence, Governments MUST take suitable measures in this direction.
·
Provide required infrastructure
in hospitals to combat viral diseases.
·
Ensure required number doctors and
para medical staff to combat viral diseases.
Conclusion: To conclude, WHO altered the whole world to be careful and
warned that Covid 19 will last for
longer time, if we neglect, it will ignite. At present, there is only
symptomatic treatment, but no correct medicine/vaccine to fight Covid 19.
Hence, prevention and stay at home is the only solution.
References:
GOI,
Aarogya Setu App.
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