I have never known 13 days like it. Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially avowed the Covid-19 pandemic on 11 March 2020, life has changed beyond all recognition.
The news from overseas and the daily toll of new cases and deaths remind us why the measures now in place are so important. It is heart breaking for all affected, their families and friends.
(‘Brace Yourself’: Doctors in Italy Share Coronavirus Advice | NYT News)
Doctors, nurses, first responders, pharmacy and other medical workers, Grocery store personnel, Transit and Airline workers, cleaning staff and their colleagues across health and social care are on the frontlines of this public health emergency.
My admiration for them knows no bounds and like any other citizen, I am truly thankful.
We need you!
Amid the fear, worry and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, each day seems to bring news that is worse than the day before. The cause for concern is justified.
But in all the doom and gloom, there are some positive stories and messages; as in most major disasters, failures, tragedies and public health risks, there are reasons to remain hopeful and optimistic.
They may be arduous to see, yet if you are a “cup-half of-full” or “it could be worse” kind of person.
(‘Please, please, please…’: Watch recovered Coronavirus patient’s message – Hindustan Times)
Social D I S T A N C I N G –
The global public health emergency induced by the coronavirus has been revealing rapidly and dramatically, we are experiencing it all from citywide quarantines to epidemics aboard cruise ships to cancellations of major international events.
If people can do just one thing to help the country lessen the total number of novel coronavirus cases, that one thing would be SOCIAL DISTANCING.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has obstinately stressed upon the importance of social distancing and experts after experts have appealed to people to strictly adopt it in their daily routine.
(What works against the virus? – CGTN)
In the medical fraternity, there are no two views that this – social distancing – is our best prospect to defeat the spread of novel coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc the world over.
The new virus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019, the year it was discovered.
Emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year in December, but it has since spread to around 190 countries as of 24 March 2020.
Dr Li Wenliang, a Chinese doctor who issued a warning about the coronavirus outbreak before it was officially recognized, died in Wuhan due to Covid-19.
Today, Li has become a hero in China and his death sparked a wave of public mourning.
(Coronavirus Is Our Future | Alanna Shaikh | TEDxSMU – TEDx Talks)
As we take time to think first of the health of our families, friends and communities, we are already learning lessons that will help us to navigate the critical trials.
Make no mistake: the new coronavirus epidemic is a big problem as we face today and the essential challenges awaiting us once the worst of the pandemic passes.
Here’s what to know about the deadly virus.
The newly discovered coronavirus gets its name from the crown-like spikes on its surface (Corona is Latin for a crown.)
Covid-19 is an infectious disease and is a type of a new virus. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause a variety of symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever.
(What Coronavirus Symptoms Look Like, Day By Day- Science Insider)
Some are mild like the common flu, while others are more likely to lead to disease. Covid-19 is determined to spread usually through coming into direct contact with an infected person.
How bad is the outbreak in India?
India’s normally-bustling streets are quiet. Delivery drivers wear gloves and face masks. Even to say, the country’s relentless construction has come to a halt.
It is all part of India’s bid to stop the coronavirus pandemic in its tracks.
But fears are growing that the country remains exposed to an extensive, potentially more ominous outbreak.
(The Science Behind the Coronavirus, the complete series – Los Angeles Times)
As India ranks as the world’s second-most populous country after the People’s Republic of China and the fifth-biggest economy, with trade connections all across the globe.
Despite that, the country of 1.34 billion has seemed to this point keep away from the total hit of the pandemic. It has around 415 confirmed cases of coronavirus and seven deaths.
But China, where the outbreak was first identified, has more than 81,601 confirmed cases in a population of 1.39 billion.
The challenge of going into lockdown
Here in India, telling people to stay home puts millions of jobs at risk. Every nation that goes into lockdown suffers a huge economic impact.
In fact, from home care workers, household cleaners to construction workers — all are exactly the people who could be hurt by lockdowns.
(Coronavirus: Inside Italy’s COVID-19 Lockdown | Foreign Correspondent)
Experts have cautioned that India is not testing enough people to know the true extent of the issue and warn that the country faces several issues that could fast-track the spread of the virus.
Be kind and stay safe
I want to end by recognizing the personal impact of this on us all. Whatever we are doing at a local or countrywide stage, we can all have our worries – loved ones who can be at increased risk; deliberate hospital treatments delayed; vacations and celebrations cancelled; travel interrupted; anxiety about self-isolation, falling ill and much more.
Such worries take a personal toll when our professional lives are asking so much. Let us not forget that and make sure we take the time to be kind to ourselves and everyone we are working with.
Thank you, please stay safe and healthy!