How is India containing COVID-19? (Action plan of India regarding epidemics)

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 How is India containing COVID-19? (Action plan of India regarding epidemics)

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• The outbreak: In Dec. 2019, the WHO had declared an outbreak of "febrile respiratory illness of unknown etiology" from Wuhan, Hubei, China. It was linked to the seafood market (live animals). The disease COVID-19 spread to 90 countries soon. It is now a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern). [COVID - Coronavirus Disease, WHO - World Health Organisation]
• What about the Virus: The SARS-Cov-2 has no vaccine as on date, and can cause pneumonia, as per ICMR. Infected people spread it through respiratory droplets. Surfaces transmit the virus, and symptoms come within 2 to 14 days (fever, cough, runny nose, breathing trouble).
• India's action plan:

1. Health Ministry has suggested universal screening of all international flights, cancellation of biometric attendance at Ministries, and no mass gatherings
2. Indian Army is creating quarantine facilities at multiple locations
3. Isolation facilities in all Indian hospitals is suggested, alongwith more protective gear.

• Screening: All airlines are informed, announcements are being made, forms are getting filled (self-declaration), thermal screening is on (to spot those with potential symptoms), surveillance of those who came in contact with infected persons, etc.
• Feverish: Anyone with fever will be picked out at airports, sea ports and borders. Such persons are further cheked at hospitals for symptoms, travel history, etc. Tests are done, and persons are advised isolation for 14 to 21 days. Those tested positive are sent for treatment. (test results come in 5 hrs, virus incubation period is 14 days)
• WHO's observations: Based on global experience in 2020, WHO says that majority of COVID-19 patients are adults, and 80% experienced mild illness. 14% had severe disease, and 5% were critically ill.
• India's unique challenges: How to contain clusters due to local transmission is a big challenge. The Health Ministry has sent trainers to district level, with CAP - Containment Action Plan. The DC is the nodal officer for containment, and all states have to identify containment zone, buffer zone and micro plan.

1. Early diagnosis is crucial. 52 labs are operational across India for COVID-19 testing. 
2. Regular and e-visas for Italy, Iran, S Korea, Japan etc. are suspended
3. Travel advisories issued for some nations like China, Iran, S Korea, Italy and Japan

• Advise to citizens: Those who are symptomatic - fever, sore throat, dyspnea etc. - and have come from affected countries must get tested. Throat and nasal swabs are taken.
• NIV Pune: The National Institute of Virology Pune has supplied primers, probes, PCR reagents and SOPs to labs. India has enough stock of APIs needed to make medicines. Export ban on 26 APIs is imposed to ensure no domestic shortage. [API - Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients]
• Final advice: Wash hands regularly with alcohol-based hand rub, or soap and water. Maintain distance from others. Get tested when in doubt.
• Summary : India is trying to put in place a complete system to avoid any major outbreak of COVID-19, and Health Ministry is on its toes.

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