WHAT IS COVID-19? #ALL TOPICS COVERED IN DETAIL

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus are a group of related viruses that causes disease in mammals and birds. In humans, coronavirus cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild such as some cases of common cold and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS and COVID-19. They are enveloped viruses with a positive sense single stranded RNA genome and a nucleocapsid of helical symmetry. The genome size ranges between 27 to 34 kilobases. This is the largest among known RNA viruses.

Where it was first found?

The earliest ones discovered were an infectious bronchitis virus in chickens and two in human patients with the common cold (later named as Human coronavirus 229E & Human coronavirus 0C43). Coronaviruses in humans were first discovered in the late 1960s.

How the coronavirus is spread?

·     Human-to-Human spread;

1.                    It can spread between person who are in close contact with one another(approx-6feet).

2.                    It can also spread via the respiratory droplets which are produced when a person coughs or sneezes.

·     The thought of without being sick;

1.                    Humans are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

2.                    The spread of this disease is also possible before any fellow shows the symptoms.

·     Spread through the contact of contaminated surfaces or objects.

1.                    It is possible that a fellow can get COVID-19 by simply touching a surface that has virus on it.

2.                    After the above mentioned activity, it may happen that the fellow touches his/her own mouth, nose, or possibly the eyes.

·     How easily the virus spreads?

1.                    The answer to this question is not precise, it can be considered to vary across the regions.

2.                    Some viruses are highly contagious, while others do not spread with much ease.

3.                    Another viewpoint is whether the virus is sustained or spreading continually without stopping.

4.                     (The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading easily due to “Community spread”)

·     Current reports of its cases across the world;

Global Map

As of 12:00 p.m. ET March 28, 2020

There are 200+ countries and other island nations across the world. Almost every country has been affected by the deadly spread of coronavirus due to various factors to take into account. The possible causes of country-to-country spread of this virus is allegedly said to be migration (Movement of people in and out of a particular country). Let us now analyze the latest report data analytics by the [WORLDOMETERS{Website}]#2020.

·     W.H.O’s  GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION OF CORONA SPREAD;

1.              Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

·     Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

2.              Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

·     Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

3.              Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

·     Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

4.              Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

·     Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

5.              If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

·     Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

6.              Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

·     Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

1. Follow the guidance outlined above.

2.     Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. 

Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

3.     If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. 

Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

·     INDIA’S ATTEMPT OF PREVENTION OF CORONAVIRUS;

·     On February 10th, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, issued a suo moto statement in the Lok Sabha on the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus Disease in China and some other countries, and the subsequent actions taken by the Government of India.

·     The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHEIC) on 30th January 2020.

·     A Group of Ministers consisting of Minister of External Affairs, Minister of Civil Aviation and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Minister of State for Shipping and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare chaired by Dr Harsha Vardhan has been constituted to monitor the situation.

·     The Cabinet Secretary has taken daily reviews with all related Ministries of Health, Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Home, Textiles, Pharma, Commerce and other officials including with State Chief Secretaries. 

·     The health ministry is constantly reviewing the evolving scenario. Video Conferences are being held with States every other day.

·     Thermal screening to detect the presence of coronavirus at the entry points of public services like airport, railway stations, bus stations  etc.

·     Existing visas (including eVisa already issued) are no longer valid for any foreign national travelling from China.

·     People having compelling reasons to visit India are asked to contact the Indian embassy in Beijing or consulate in Shanghai or Guangzhou.

·     People have already been advised to refrain from travel to China through an earlier advisory. People traveling to China henceforth will be quarantined on return.

·     Communication to the remote areas and awareness programmes have been initiated by all the state governments.