Corona effects in India

India is facing the terrible effects of Corona. People are dying like anything

Editing and proofreading by Kashif Jaffari

Fight back against COVID-19

The other day, I witnessed a movie named "Blood Sport" starring Jean Claude Van Damme. In its last fight, the villain blinded him, throwing some bleach powder in his eyes. Initially, the hero was irritated, worried, and frustrated. After a while, he put his concentration together and focused on how he can defeat his enemy without eyes. He fought back, sensing the opponent, and ultimately won. You can watch the action on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXIe6pouJTc. 

COVID-19 environment is a similar kind of scenario. We have to fight an invisible antagonist, focusing on defeating it in the minimum possible time.  

We all know how it spreads. A single sneeze or cough sprays millions of droplets that remain on various materials for different durations, depending upon the nature of the material. These droplets stick with the human hands whenever contacted. According to research, normal human beings touch their faces 24 times every 24 hours. Touching the upper respiratory organs like the nose or the mouth can be the source of transmission into the upper respiratory area. The virus rests in the upper respiratory area shortly and then gets into the lungs for infection. It has all the potentials to transfer and attack other vital organs of the body. Now, the question arises as to how to fight against this lethal virus? The most logical steps to fight back against the virus are as under:

Awareness campaign and testing

Sense, detect, identify and contain the infected and carriers efficiently. It is possible by extensive testing and running an awareness campaign at the National level. Make people aware of the symptoms so that they can facilitate detection. The more we delay this act, the more we pay in terms of human lives and money. Govt should not refrain from spending large amounts for running awareness campaigns down to the district administration level and carrying out extensive testing. Free testing of the poor can be a tool to team up with the local population for early detection and containment of the virus.

Comfortable Quarantine at the source of spread 

At the Pakistan-Iran border, there were several cases detected amongst the pilgrims at a very early stage. This location formed the primary source of the virus spread. Containment of viruses in situ was essential. The need of the time was a sustainable and comfortable quarantine at the Taftan border. Quarantines should be comfortable and sustainable. As in the case of Taftan Border Quarantine, the individuals who were away from their homes for the last fifteen or twenty days were quarantined without sufficient facilities and got frustrated. Secondly, the state should get sufficiently equipped with COVID-19 testing kits as soon as possible for early detection. Awareness campaigns must commence immediately. People should sensitize themselves about the presence of the virus on their hands, clothes, and everywhere.

Stop the spread

It is a global war against an invisible enemy that is not a normal situation at all. Once we are facing this pandemic, how to stop the spread? A collective effort at the national level can stop the spread. Observe social distancing, do not shake hands, wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds frequently, and wear a face mask. New by-laws, based on rewards and punishments for adhering and not adhering to the instructions, may contribute effectively against the spread.   

The symptoms of this virus appear after three or four days of infection. This virus originates from the sneezing, coughing, and spitting of the victim. The state must take steps to ensure the elimination of overcrowding by modifying rules and by-laws.