COVID-19 is currently all over the news, with updates coming in every other minute. What started in the city of Wuhan in China has now become a global pandemic. Though opinions on the ultimate impact may vary, the Corona virus outbreak has already demonstrated wide-ranging social and economic effects, with more than 8,700 deaths and expected losses of $2.4 trillion. The outbreak is currently in its early stages and the world has already started its descent into a recession.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Awareness
Daily COVID-19 Cases in India
Why is the COVID-19 outbreak in the news?
What is COVID-19? Are Coronavirus and COVID-19 the same?
Coronaviruses represent a family of viruses that are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to dangerous diseases such as MERS and SARS. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This virus, that has led to a pandemic, was unknown before the initial outbreak in China.
Why should we care?
Currently, the coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 170 countries, with more than 120,000 active cases and 8,700 deaths (check latest news and updates here). The disease spreads via respiratory droplets exhaled by an infected person (e.g., coughing and sneezing). COVID-19 displays non-specific symptoms and can also be asymptomatic, which means those infected may not exhibit any symptoms at all. Thus, a possibility exists that people who are infected may be spreading the virus unintentionally.
According to some scientists, the world has reached a stage where this pandemic can’t be controlled solely by prevention any more. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment to cure COVID-19. The only alternative left is to control and confine the spread of the coronavirus!
Which groups are most at risk?
Though scientists are still understanding how COVID-19 affects people, it is most dangerous to two specific groups - people above the age of 60 and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes). Since the older population faces a higher risk, it is vital that the younger generation works proactively towards prevention till a vaccine or cure is developed.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people are asymptomatic and don’t develop any symptoms.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. People with difficulty in breathing or prolonged fever and cough should seek medical attention.
What are the key Do’s and Don’ts?
- Masks - Face masks are available only in limited quantities and even hospitals are facing a shortage. Thus, it’s recommended that only persons who are already affected use face masks to prevent transmission.
Doctor Visits - Since the current medical infrastructure is overburdened and most people recover from the symptoms without medical care, doctor visits should only be made in case of difficulties in breathing or prolonged cough/fever. Infected persons should take an appointment to limit the spread of COVID-19.
What to do in case you are infected with COVID-19?
What can we do during this COVID-19 outbreak?
COVID-19 is here and it’s too big a problem to ignore. This virus has already entered India and we have to ensure we limit its effects. Given there’s no cure or vaccine developed yet, we all need to work together to prevent it from spreading further. Even though most of us may end up being unaffected by the outbreak, not everyone will be so fortunate.
We at GIVA care about you and want to do our small bit in ensuring your well being. As part of our commitment to your health, we’ll be sending a bottle of sanitizer with all our jewellery. Our earnest hope is that you remember to take precautionary measures every time you look at your jewellery. If you do not wish to use the sanitizer yourself, we hope you’ll pass it on to someone who may not be fortunate enough to afford it (our maids, watchmen and other pillars of society are just as affected). Even if we can help prevent a single case, we’ll consider our effort to be successful.
For the next few weeks, let’s take this pledge - Spread Joy, Combat Corona
