Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause diseases in animals as well as humans. These viruses have crown-like spikes on their surfaces, hence giving them the name “coronavirus”. Corona means “crown” or “halo” in the Latin language. This virus typically leads to an upper tract respiratory infection in humans and can cause illness ranging from the common cold to diseases such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are ejected when a person with COVID-19 coughs, exhales, sings, talks etc. So, you can get infected, if you are in close proximity (less than 1 metre) to a person who has COVID-19 and inhale the droplets. Since these respiratory droplets also land on objects and surfaces, if you touch these surfaces and then touch your face (eyes, ears, mouth and nose) you are likely to get infected. 

The COVID-19 pandemic in India is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case of COVID-19 in India, which originated from China, was reported in January 2020. India currently has the largest number of confirmed cases in Asia, and has the second-highest number of confirmed cases in the world after the United States, with more than 9 million reported cases of COVID-19 infection and more than 100 thousand deaths.

India, which has the second-largest population in the world is suffering severely from COVID-19 disease. By May 2020, India investigated ∼1 lakh (0.1million) infected cases from COVID-19, and as of July the cases equalled 8 lakhs. Social distancing and lockdown rules were employed in India, which however had an additional impact on the economy, human living, and environment. Where a negative impact was observed for the economy and human life, the environment got a positive one. How India dealt and can potentially deal with these three factors during and post COVID-19 situation has been discussed here.

How coronavirus spread to and in India

 In the beginning, coronavirus cases in India happened due to the abroad connection rather than transmission within the country. The first three infection cases occurred on January and February in Kerala as they returned from Wuhan China. Within a month, later on 3^rdMarch, two more cases were reported where one patient had a travel history from Italy while the other in Hyderabad visited Dubai. On the very same day, few other cases were observed in Jaipur. To control this spread, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued travel advisory restrictions which were similar to the previous pandemics such as SARS, Ebola, and bubonic plague, including the imposition of self-quarantine rules for 14 days to all international travellers entering the country. Additionally, travel visas were restricted until April for other countries and on March 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed various interventions such as social distancing of m to avoid/decrease the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community which eventually leads to decreasing in a spread, morbidity, and mortality due to the disease.

 Personal protective equipment (PPE)

 India was manufacturing nearly zero PPE kits until January 2020. India was manufacturing only medical gowns and Mask. In May 2020, India ramped up its production capacity to produce More than two lakh kits per day. This has been a great support to all the healthcare workers who have been in the front line of this war against COVID-19.

The main purpose is to protect the mucous membrane in eyes, nose and mouth from the infective droplets. The ideal element list should seal properly with the skin, have higher resistance property, is airtight to blood and other body fluids, maintain its shape and is wearable. 

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) the Protective equipment consists of garments placed to protect the health care workers or any other persons to get infected. These usually consist of standard precautions: gloves, mask, gown. If it is blood or airborne high infections, will include: Face protection, goggles and mask or face shield, gloves, gown or coverall, head cover, rubber boots.

India mission was launched as a result of a crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Government of India had set out on a daunting path of turning a crisis into an opportunity. Nevertheless, the nation proved that it is possible. The successful development of an indigenous supply chain of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits in 60 days is an example for local manufacturers that self-reliance in a high-quality product is an achievable goal.

 Wearing a mask necessary in Covid-19

As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, there are different medical opinions about the efficacy of face masks. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, one of this year’s most necessary and sought-after accessories was the now-ubiquitous face mask. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention first recommended people wear face masks in April.

In India, it is mandatory to wear a mask when you step out. A mask prevents respiratory particles containing the COVID-19 virus from an infected person from escaping into the air when he/she coughs or sneezes. Thus, if an infected person wears a mask, other healthy people will not catch the disease. Similarly, when a healthy person wears a mask, it acts as a wall of defence against the virus that is floating in the air.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to adaptation in the way we live. We have to accept new habits as earlier ‘‘normals’ have become obsolete. Our first protection that comes to mind against Covid-19 is the face mask.

 Social distancing helps to prevent from COVID-19

 Social distancing means keeping a minimum distance of 5-6 feet between you and other people outside your home. This means no group gatherings and staying away from crowded places. Social distancing is an effort to stop the transmission of coronavirus in large crowds in meetings, movie halls, weddings and public transport. To enforce the importance of social distancing, schools, colleges, malls and movie halls are now closed across states. People are being advised to work remotely and reduce interaction with other people to a minimum.

Remember to step out alone to buy groceries and other essentials. Avoid taking other family members or anyone else with you. The government has instructed shop owners to ensure that social distancing is followed by all shoppers.

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and given the current spread of the disease, advisories have been issued to stay at home and do not step out unless absolutely necessary.