Teacher Workshop on Corona Prevention

Ms Khushboo Rawat from the Science Department of The Indian School attended a training programme- Prevention from Corona Virus conducted under the IDSP (Integrated Diseases Surveillance Program) South District at GBSSS, R K Puram on 13 March 2020. The workshop was conducted by Dr Anuja Vasudeva, DSO South.

The workshop commenced with an introduction of the Virus and its origin. Dr Vasudeva shared the current global situation, mortality rate and situation reports declared by WHO. She cited the incident that took place on 31 December 2019 when WHOs country office received information about cases of pneumonia from an unknown etiology. The case was reported from Wuhan City, in the Hubei province of China. She added that till 3 January 2020, the number of cases had increased to 44 and on 7 January 2020, a new type of virus was detected in a patients blood sample. On 12 January the source was traced to the seafood market of Wuhan where various wildlife foods were sold. On the same day China shared the genetic sequence of the novel Corona virus for countries to develop diagnostic kits.

Corona Viruses are large groups of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they are, what scientists call zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The viruses can make people sick, usually affecting their upper respiratory tract and showing symptoms similar to the common cold. Chinese authorities have identified this type of virus as a new type of Corona virus (Covid19) with an incubation period of 20 days (Asymptomatic: 4-5 days and Symptomatic for up to 14 days but Quarantine is advised for 28 days). Such virus shows no resistance to heat.

Dr Vasudeva explained that the most common symptoms of the Virus are fever, difficulty in breathing, cough, chest pain, runny nose, sore throat, headache and a rapid heartbeat. She said that for those with a weak immune system i.e. the elderly and the very young, there was a chance that Corona Virus could cause a lower and much more serious respiratory tract illness like pneumonia or bronchitis.

Ms Vasudeva also said that the human Corona Virus most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air when a person coughs, sneezes, or is in close personal contact like touching or shaking hands and then touches the mouth, nose or eyes without washing the hands.

She also informed the audience that there are currently no vaccines available to offer protection against human Corona virus infection. However, transmission can be reduced by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. Other preventive measures include avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoiding close contact with anyone showing cold or flu-like symptoms, avoiding the consumption of eggs and meat that are not thoroughly cooked, avoiding unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals and covering ones nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Ms Vasudeva also suggested that if one is sick then one must keep hydrated, stay home and rest. If the symptoms persist then a healthcare provider must be contacted. She stated that as a measure of precaution, the Delhi Airport Authorities have been informed to screen every passenger having a travel history. A Self-Declaration Form is also being filled at the airports and an Advisory is being circulated. All flights from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Singapore, Spain, Germany have been suspended. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), Safdarjung Hospital, Max Hospital, Saket and Pt MMH Hospital have been designated as Nodal Hospitals for treatment and management of the disease. The testing for the virus is being presently done at RML Hospital, Delhi.

China and countries around the world are scrambling to contain the spread of a new Corona Virus that has killed at many as 4967 people and infected more than 110000 people across the globe. Ms Vasudeva expressed grave concern at the current situation and advised everyone to be vigilant.

The workshop provided details about the deadly Virus and suggested ways to stay safe and healthy. It was an informative session and added to our knowledge about the pandemic that has spread across the world.