Corona (CoVid-19) or Call it Chinese Virus, is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms, including mild respiratory symptoms and fever, on an average of 5-6 days after infection (mean incubation period 5-6 days, range 1-14 days).

Content below is just for informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.

What is CoronaVirus?

The number of coronavirus cases in India has increased sharply from 6 to more than 7600, and the death toll rose to 249 in the matter of one month, as the epidemic that originated in China has infected more than 17,00,000 people worldwide. While the active cases of COVID-19 in India is 6,577, as many as 774 were cured and discharged. With this, India has entered the eighteenth day of its nationwide lockdown today.

What is India doing to fight the CoronaVirus?

• India has suspended ” all- existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International organisations, employment/ project visa’s until the 15th of April.

• On 22nd March, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked all the citizens to observe ‘Janta Curfew’ from 7am to 9pm. During this curfew, he asked everyone, except those involved in essential services, to stay at home.

• On 24th March, Modi announced a nationwide lockdown from midnight of that day, for a period of 21 days.

• Modi also announced Rs. 15,000 crore aid for the health care sector.

• In India, a decision on the possible extension of nationwide lockdown is awaited even as the WHO has warned about the dangers of premature lifting of restrictions over Covid-19. After Delhi and Maharashtra, Telangana has now banned venturing out without masks and said this might invite arrests.

• Health ministry reiterated that there was no community transmission of the novel coronavirus in India. 

• Hinting at a decentralised strategy ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India’s lockdown playbook with state chief ministers on 11th April that may involve dividing areas into green, orange and red zones.

On 11th April, Modi said while people can’t be kept away from work for a long time, life has got priority over economy.

Modi also suggested the idea of a lock-in wherein industrial, agricultural and construction workers may be housed within their work zones itself and continue with their work.

According to officials present at the meeting, Modi said that ‘Jaan and Jahaan’ both will be taken care of, while stressing upon coordinated efforts to fight the pandemic.

What can you do to fight the virus?

As news about CoronaVirus (COVID-19) dominate the headlines and public concern is on the rise, taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. Good mental health and positive wellbeing can help you better cope with the COVID-19 threat and the uncertainty it’s creating.

Here’s what you can do while staying indoors:

• Stay home.

• When going outside, be extra cautious- This is called “social- distancing” or “physical distancing,” and is basically a call to stand far away from other people, even if you have no underlying health conditions or coronavirus symptoms.

• Consider wearing a mask in public.

• Wash your hands with soap, then wash them again. Regularly. – A refresher: Wet your hands and scrub them with soap, taking care to get between your fingers and under your nails. Wash for at least 20 seconds (or about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry. Make sure you get your thumbs, too.

• Stock up on groceries, medicines and resources- Stock up on a 30-day supply of groceries, household supplies and prescriptions.

• Stay informed- There’s a lot of information flying around, and knowing what is going on will go a long way toward protecting your family.

• Call your doctor if you’re feeling sick- If you develop a high fever, shortness of breath or another, more serious symptom, call your doctor.

If we all do our best to stop the spread, we can flatten the curve!