Complete Information about Coronavirus Disease in India
India reported the first confirmed case of the coronavirus infection on 30 January 2020 in the state of Kerala. The affected had a travel history from Wuhan, China.
Steps of India to control the Novel Coronavirus Disease:
The Indian administration has declared a lot of precautionary steps to reduce the entry and spread of coronavirus disease.
A control room operational 24×7 to address queries has been launched.
India’s prime minister has pleaded to Indians to avoid mass gatherings. He requested all citizens to follow a country-wide Janta curfew on 22 March from 7 am to 9 pm. People were requested to not leave the home on that day unless for emergencies. The Janta curfew was a forerunner to the country-wide lockdown circulate on 26 March.
Country-Wide Lock-Down
A 21-day lock-down (Lockdown 1.0) across the country was imposed from 26 March to 14 April to restrain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
All factories, schools, colleges, offices, and transportation services have been closed, while essential services such as supermarkets, and pharmacies remain open.
And, the Lockdown is still continuing with Lockdown 4.0 up to 31st May (with some relaxation).
Government announces incentive budget:
The Indian government announced a $22.6bn incentive package to relieve the poor who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.
The government also targets to provide wheat, rice, and pulses free of cost to approximately 800 low-income families up to the pandemic.
Additionally, cooking-gas cylinders will be provided to 83 million poor families and a $13.31 cash-transfer will be provided to 30 million senior citizens.
The government will provide $6.65 per month to approximately 200 million poor women for the period of the pandemic.
Medical insurance worth five million rupees ($66,000) will be provided for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and paramedics.
Are visas cancelled for foreign nationals travelling from affected countries?
India announced the cancellation of existing e-visas issued to all foreign nationals of China, on 05 February and advised Indians to avoid traveling to China.
How many labs are testing for coronavirus disease in India?
The NIV and 52 other laboratories under the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) Viral Research and Diagnostics Laboratories network are equipped to test samples.
The National Institute of Virology lab in Pune is serving as the nodal lab for coronavirus testing in India. The Pune lab has facilities for COVID-19 molecular diagnosis and next-generation sequencing.
The labs are equipped with reagents to test up to 25,000 samples. The Indian administration is in the process of adding more coronavirus testing laboratories in the country.
What is a Novel Coronavirus Disease?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new variant of coronavirus related to an identical family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some variety of common cold.
The disease was first identified in Wuhan, China, named coronavirus (COVID-19).
Formerly, this disease was mentioned as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’
How does the COVID-19 virus spread?
The virus is transmitted through immediate contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person through coughing and sneezing, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
The COVID-19 virus may survive on surfaces for many hours, but simple disinfectants can destroy it.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms may involve fever, cough, cold, and shortness of breath. In some severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties, and rarely it can cause death.
How can I avoid the risk of infection?
Here are four precautions you and your family can take to avoid infection:
- Rinse your hands thoroughly and frequently at least 20 seconds by using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover mouth and nose with curved elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue at once.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Look for medical care early if you or your family member has a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Should I wear a medical mask?
The wear of a medical mask is advised to whom if you have respiratory symptoms like coughing or sneezing to protect others. If you don’t have any symptoms, then there is no need to use a medical mask.
But if you are using it then you must dispose of it properly to avoid any risk of infection.
And, the use of masks is not enough to stop the effectiveness of viruses, you should also avoid close contact with others who have a cold or cough and it is also necessary to wash your hands frequently.
Does COVID-19 affect only older people?
No, the coronavirus can possibly affect anyone including children and pregnant women too. But, in some cases, it becomes fatal for older people who have existing medical conditions.
Can unborn child be affected with coronavirus by a pregnant women?
Currently, there is no enough proof to ascertain whether the virus is transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. But the pregnant lady should continue to observe suitable precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the virus, and if experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Is it safe for a mother to breastfeed if she is infected with coronavirus?
Knowing the advantages of breastfeeding and the negligible role of breastmilk in the transmission of other respiratory viruses, the mother can continue breastfeeding, although following all the necessary precautions.
If a pregnant woman has Covid-19 infection, even though she can breastfeed her child but by wearing a mask when near a child during feeding, washing hands before and after contact with the child including feeding, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces where anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 interacts with others, including children.
But if a mother is too ill, she should be motivated to extract milk and give it to the child through a clean cup and/or spoon with following the same infection prevention methods.
