From the outbreak to an epidemic, COVID-19 is a fatal disease that is spreading throughout the world like a fire. While the World Health Organisation and country governments have their own way of dealing with the disease, we, the humans, have our own curiosity to stay updated with all the information.
The arrival of Coronavirus, the main reason for the disease COVID-19, has made the government of countries urge its citizens to arrest the spread of the disease by ignoring mass gatherings.
The outburst and number of positive cases and deaths in China, Italy, and Iran have led all the countries to think about ways to stop the spread.
Image Source: CNBC
Hence, we have compiled a list of Q&As to help you in time of this national crisis.
Table of Contents
What is Coronavirus?
Let us first start with the obvious question – what is COVID-19? It is a family of various viruses that majorly cause infection and illness in animals. In humans, these viruses cause respiratory infections, ranging from cold to flu.
But they can also cause severe diseases like MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
How did the disease start?
Many people are curious to know how the disease originated, and unsurprisingly, many health officials are still working to identify the exact source of the disease.
However, as per the hypothesis, the Virus passed to humans from animals sold in the wet market in Wuhan, China.
As per a report by John Hopkins Medicine Centre, the first individual with the disease was found on December 1, 2019.
Notably, he had no link with the market. Well, the investigations are still going on to found out where the disease actually originated from.
Number of Positive Cases of Coronavirus in India
As on March 23, 2020, 390 people are reported to be positive with COVID-19, out of which, 24 have recovered. However, seven have succumbed to the disease. Nearly, 336,010 are globally infected, and over 14,600 people have died globally.
The list of people infected in India state wise is as follows:
- Maharashtra: 67
- Kerala: 67
- Delhi: 29
- Uttar Pradesh: 28
- Rajasthan: 27
- Karnataka: 26
- Telangana: 26
- Haryana: 21
- Punjab: 21
- Gujarat: 18
- Ladakh: 13
- Tamil Nadu: 9
- West Bengal: 7
- Madhya Pradesh: 6
- Chandigarh: 5
- Andhra Pradesh: 5
- Jammu & Kashmir: 4
- Uttarakhand: 3
- Bihar: 2
- Himachal Pradesh: 2
- Odisha:2
- Chhattisgarh: 1
- Puducherry: 1
As Reported by NDTV.
How to Prevent Coronavirus?
We suggest you be updated with all the latest information related to Coronavirus and all the advisories as applicable in the area. You can save yourself from the fatal and fast-spreading disease by following the below-mentioned measures:
- Wash your hands with a mild soap regularly and thoroughly. Take special care that you don’t touch your eyes, nose, mouth, and face with unwashed hands. Use alcohol-based hand-rubs if you can’t wash your hands.
- Maintain at least three feet distance between yourself and the person who is sneezing or coughing.
- It is suggested that you don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. Your hands touch several surfaces and may pick the Virus. Once contaminated, they may transfer the same to your body.
- Make sure that you and people who surround you follow good respiratory hygiene. By this, we mean that you cover your mouth with a bent elbow or a tissue paper when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of the tissue paper immediately.
- Stay home and limit all your social interactions. Avoid unnecessary travel. Follow all the instructions as advised by the authority.
- If you have a cold, fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
What are the Coronavirus Symptoms?
The most symptoms of the disease, as experienced by most individuals, are the dry couch, tiredness, and fever. Many patients are also complaining about aches and pains, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, and diarrhoea.
The symptoms are mild and begin gradually. But the patients generally develop severe respiratory problems.
Image Source: BBC
Notably, some people become infected and don’t develop any symptoms for a loan. So, if you notice any symptom, seek medical attention immediately. You are advised to call the doctor in advance and don’t be a carrier of the Virus.
Is COVID-19 Curable?
Many home remedies and western remedies may offer you some comfort and alleviate the symptoms of the disease. But is it suggested to see a doctor immediately if you witness any symptom of the disease?
Doctors are providing supportive treatment to the symptoms and complications as per an individual. There is no proper cure yet invented. Many scientists and doctors have been working for the same.
Many countries have isolated the disease and would be successful in finding the right treatment for the disease soon.
What does the Coronavirus do to your body?
As per a report in The Guardian, most of the people infected with the Virus (up to 80%) in China had mild symptoms and no infection in the lungs.
And about 15% of the people had severe symptoms that caused them shortness of breath and other lung problems.
Should you wear a Mask? And which type of Mask?
Healthy people can wear a mask, just a step towards precaution. The disposable mask should be used only once as it is not very effective against the Virus, and the Virus may get exposed to the eyes.
Also, if you don’t follow the proper hand hygiene, the entire purpose of the mask is defeated. This has led to a shortage of masks in the market. Consequently, the healthcare workers, volunteers, and people who work in the virus hotspots are in need for the masks for their safety.
The small and disposable surgical masks can prevent infected people from spreading the Virus through their spit and droplets.
However, these masks should not be reused and worn for less than 8 hours at a stretch. The N95 disposable masks can protect the healthcare workers from the infection by blocking at least 95% of the airborne particles.
What should you do if you are tested positive?
Individuals with no Travel or Contact History
If you experience respiratory illness, such as congestion, sore throat, cough, fever, etc. But haven’t travelled abroad or to the area with the widespread outbreak, or you have no close contact with an individual with COVID-19 or travel history abroad, you should stay home. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids. Plus you should also call your physician and understand if you need to get the test done or not.
Individuals with Travel or Contact History
If you have travelled to any infected country recently or just internationally, or you had close contact with an infected individual, then call on government helpline number – +91-11-23978046 or 1075 (toll-free number).
How is India reacting to COVID-19?
India reported its fourth death from COVID-19 Today. Well, India is the second-most populous country in the world and yet, only has 200+ confirmed cases so far.
It merely means the Virus is not spreading fast as compared to other countries, such as Italy and the US. The main reason for this is the steps taken by the Indian government to stop the spreading of the Virus.
So far, India has taken rapid actions such as travel limitations by suspending visas and quarantining all the international travellers. Besides, all the travellers also undergo Universal Health Screening. This has limited the entry of the virus into the country.
Besides to stop community transmissions, the government has also taken several steps to stop mass gathering. Most offices have asked their employees to work from. In addition to it, restaurants, malls, multiplexes, temples, etc. are closed till March 31 to avoid the mass gathering of people.
PM Modi has also called for a Janta Curfew on March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm. He has also urged kids below ten years of age and aged above 60 years of age to stay home.
How are Businesses in India affected due to COVID-19?
Over 50% of the companies see the impact of novel Coronavirus on their operations. Nearly 80% of companies have also witnessed a decrease in their cash flow.
Image Source: Quint
The pandemic has caused a severely disruptive impact on the demand and supply chain, which may derail the growth of many businesses in India. The country has started to experience a slowdown in growth already.
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Also Read: How The Coronavirus Outbreak Affected Businesses?