Coronavirus: Be cautious but don't panic
As the fear and spread of coronavirus continues to escalate it can be noticed that certain rumors and unverified pseudo-scientific facts have been making the rounds to worsen the situation. The following article will jot down the important and expert-recommended steps and measures that are to be scrupulously followed to fight the spread of the disease. People are advised to not pay heed to any unnecessary and unverified fact that keep surfacing now and then.
1. How to
detect and prevent
Ø
Fever
Ø
Cough
Ø
Shortness of breath
2. When to seek medical advice
Seek
medical advice immediately if you develop the symptoms above
and/or
You have had exposure to a
person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently travelled from an
area with on-going spread of COVID-19.
Also remember to call ahead
before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your
recent travel and your symptoms.
3. How grave is the risk, actually
The immediate risk of
becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be
low, for most people.
Older
adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as
diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness
from COVID-19. This however does not mean that it won't affect you or that you
shouldn't be careful, just that don't panic.
4. Simple steps
to remain healthy
Ø
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the
bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
Ø
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Ø
Stay home when you are sick.
Ø
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in
the trash.
Ø Avoid gatherings and travelling
abroad.
Ø
Don’t ignore Fact 1 and Fact 2 above.
Ø
Do not fall prey to rumors.
5. Don’t repel
everyone
Someone who has completed
quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection
to other people.
6. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race, religion or
ethnicity.
Fear and anxiety about
COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at
risk for spreading the virus.
There have been a lot of
misconception and rumors about the pandemic. This is not only worsening things
but is also leading to another “social pandemic” which may have dangerous
consequences. We need to be cautious and strictly follow advice that come from
credible sources only. Follow the websites
of WHO, CDC, ministries and authorized departments and not the forwards of
Whatsapp/Facebook or other social media sites.
7. You can be punished for not following government directives
Following the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic the Cabinet Secretary of India on 11th March
2020 announced that all states and Union Territories should
invoke provisions of Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Various state governments have already evoked the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which was enacted to tackle the Bubonic plague in the Bombay Presidency of British India and is still very much valid. Section 2 of the Act prescribes for penal provisions that may be used against a person responsible
for spread of any contagious disease.
Appeal
Friends, this is a serious
challenge to the entire humankind and the least we can do is not to complicate
things further and make it difficult for the people who are the real fighters
in this war for humanity. Share this article to as many people as you can to
create awareness.
Feel free to get in touch,
do subscribe and provide your feedback and suggestions.
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