Outbreak

The COVID 19 pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020. It was recognised as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. As of 14 April 2020, more than 1.94 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 210 countries and territories, resulting in more than 1,21,000 deaths. More than 4,65,000 people have recovered.

The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact, often via small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. While these droplets are projected into the air, they usually fall to the ground or onto surfaces. People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their face.

The disease commonly presents with fever, cough and shortness of breath. Complications like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome can lead to death. It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease. Incubation period (the time from exposure to onset of symptoms) may range from two to fourteen days. Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive therapy can cure the disease and prevent complications.

Indian Scenario

Government of India is taking all necessary steps to ensure that we are prepared well to face the challenge and threat posed by the growing pandemic of COVID-19 the Corona Virus. With active support of the people of India, we have been able to contain the spread of the Virus in our country. The most important factor in preventing the spread of the Virus locally is to empower the citizens with the right information and taking precautions as per the advisories being issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

The first case of COVID 19 pandemic in India was reported in Kerala on 30 January 2020, originating from China. As of 14 April 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have confirmed a total of 10,815 cases, 1,190 recoveries (including 1 migration) and 353 deaths in the country. On 22 March 2020, India observed a 14-hour voluntary public curfew. The government followed it up with lockdowns in 75 districts where COVID cases had occurred as well as all major cities. Further, on 24 March, the prime minister ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, affecting the entire 1.3 billion population of India. On 14 April, the prime minister extended the ongoing nationwide lockdown till 3^rd May.

Michael Ryan, chief executive director of the World Health Organisation’s health emergencies programme, said that India had “tremendous capacity” to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and, as the second most populous country, will have enormous impact on the world’s ability to deal with it.

the kerala model

The first case of 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic in India was confirmed on 30 January 2020, in the state of Kerala. Since then there was a slow increase in the number of confirmed cases. Majority of cases resulted from overseas travel. Kerala is the only state in India that introduced 28 days of home quarantine for those returning from countries affected by coronavirus, while the national guidelines for India is 14 days. The strenuous efforts of the healthcare providers made it possible to keep local transmission to bare minimum.

Kerala recorded the first three cases of coronavirus in India, all three victims being Indians who had studied in Wuhan. The state soon began implementing mandatory quarantines for visitors arriving from China, weeks before the central government instituted similar measures across the country. In early March, a BBC News talk show referred to the success of Kerala in containing the first three positive cases of coronavirus and its previous record in dealing with the Nipah virus.

From its initial top most position, now Kerala currently progressed to the tenth position among Indian states with most number of confirmed cases. Moreover, with the second highest number of recoveries among all states, it has reached the twelveth position among states with most number of active cases. This impressive track record has earned world attention

The aggressive testing and intense contact tracing implemented through the dedicated public healthcare setup together with instituting a longer quarantine, building thousands of shelters for migrant workers stranded by the sudden nationwide shutdown and distributing millions of cooked meals to those in need Kerala stands as a role model for the entire world. Kerala has conducted, more tests than many larger states and more affected States such as Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Kerala was also taking a lead in doing rapid tests and walk-in tests.