In a list released  the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has marked districts across India into Red Zones,  Orange Zones and  Green Zones – to combat the corona virus pandemic.

Red Zones are areas with major coronavirus outbreaks. Essentially, these districts or places are considered ‘hotspots‘ as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW).

A district is classified as a ‘hotspot’ if it:

• Contributes to more than 80% of cases in lndia or
• Contributes to more than 80% of cases for each state or
• Districts with doubling rate in less than 4 day

Those areas and districts that have limited coronavirus cases and have not shown a fresh surge in such cases are classified under Orange Zone.A hotspot district can turn into an ‘Orange Zone‘ if no fresh cases are reported in 14 days

A district will be considered under Green Zone, if there are no confirmed cases so far or there is no reported case since last 21 days

The Centre has also asked states to create buffer zones around the containment zones as a safety measures to eliminate any chances of the virus.The containment zone is the core area and buffer zone is the area beyond the containment zone. The containment zone will require stricter measures like house to house surveillance.

LEARNING WITH TIMES

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus,are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). The best way to prevent and slow down transmission, Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19.

What are the important steps you can do to prevent acquiring or spreading infection

1. Social distancing – Very important .
2.  Avoid contact with someone who shows symptoms of possible COVID-19 – anyone having a cold or cough or fever.
3. Avoid non-essential travel and use of public transport.
4. Avoid public places, crowds and large family get togethers. Keep in touch with friends and relatives using phone, internet, and social media.
5. Avoid routine visits to hospitals / Labs. for minor problems, contact hospital or HF clinic by phone or helpline number if possible. If you are regularly checking INR and adjusting blood thinning medicines, please contact the doctor over phone if possible and try and avoid a hospital as much as possible.                                                                                                                                                                     Hand hygiene
6.  Avoid handshakes and touching face with hands
7. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently – do this for at least 20-30 seconds and systematically to clean all parts of the hand
8. Alcohol based hand-sanitisers are also useful.
9. Avoid touching possibly contaminated areas/objects – Public toilet doors, door handles etc