The Centre has sanctioned 15 thousand crore rupees for India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package. Out of it, seven thousand 774 crore rupees will be utilized for immediate COVID-19 Emergency Response and rest for medium-term support of one to four years to be provided under mission mode approach.

The key objectives of the package include mounting emergency response to slow and limit COVID-19 in the country through the development of diagnostics and COVID-19 dedicated treatment facilities,

centralized procurement of essential medical equipment and drugs required for treatment of infected patients.

Besides, the aim of the package is also to  strengthen and build resilient National and State health systems to support prevention and preparedness for future disease outbreak.

It also include  setting up of laboratories and bolster surveillance activities, bio-security preparedness, pandemic research and proactively engage communities and conduct risk communication activities. These interventions and initiatives would be implemented under the overall umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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.