Tuesday, March 24, 2020

"Coronavirus" and the concept of "Social distancing"



I was surprised that few of my friends have misunderstood the way "how Coronavirus spread" and the concept of "Social distancing". So I thought of posting this.
Information about Coronavirus and the concept of "Social distancing"
The following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtN-goy9VOY explains in a very precise and concise way (<10 mins) about the Coronavirus, how it spreads and how social distancing would help us to fight this outbreak. Don't be worried if you don't understand the first 4 minutes of the video because it can be too technical for few people but hang on till the end of this video.
The below websites are good to know the statistics by country-wise:
It is not just the doctors and bioscience researchers are studying about this virus and trying to develop the medicines to cure the disease. Quite a few Engineers and Technologists have also put their heads into it. One interesting invention that I read: 
Allow your imagination to solve our problems. However none of these things will not be available tomorrow.
India’s position
As far as India concern, I feel the government is doing a great job. But that won't be suffice. We as individuals also should act responsibly for at least next one month. Indians who don't have foreign travel history are also equally responsible to spread the virus at this point. It would be great to maintain social distancing even among your family members within your home. People who are returning to their home towns from cities should confine in a room of your house for at least 14 days to avoid spreading it to your parents or family members whose immunity is compromised or be under home quarantine as a family.
India being the highest population density and do not have proper health care facilities might see more number of deaths if we allow to increase the number of cases. Our government is taking all possible preventive measures to reduce the rate of spread. In fact, I feel India has indeed reduced the rate of spread compared to other countries by imposing curfew and locking down the state borders but India have already reported 10 deaths out of 519 reported cases which is a big percentage, I feel. So, it is important for each of us to act responsibly and smartly without panicking.
My story
I came from Spain on 13th March and then took the following steps:
  • Since I reached my home from airport, I have not stepped out of my home.
  • I work from my home.
  • I have asked my maid not to come but have not stopped her pay (…. very important).
  • I buy my groceries through big basket. For the past couple of days, big basket also starts cancelling my orders due to high demand. I informed my Apartment association members about my status and they immediately asked a vegetable vendor to deliver the list of vegetables and fruits I have asked for. The vegetable vendor placed the vegetables/fruits carton at my doorstep and maintained a distance of more than 6 feet before calling me outside. I am happy that he requested me to pay by Google-Pay when I offered for cash.


The airport authorities have checked my temperature, got my contact details and then allowed me to enter the country. Maybe they should have directly sent us to some quarantine centers, I felt. However, yesterday the government officials knocked my door and stamped on my hand and requested me not to leave my home before 28th March. Now they are tracking/monitoring each and every person who have come from abroad in the past two weeks.
The worst part in my story is that I took taxi from airport to home - my only point of contact. Now you can think of how many people might have come in contact with this taxi driver though I have confined myself in my room. Now you can think of how this can spread and that is why I reiterate that "Persons who don't have foreign travel history are also equally responsible to spread the virus at this point". So, maintain "Social distancing" for at least next few days to avoid spreading it to your parents or family members whose immunity is compromised. We need strength to recover our economy after this is over. The good part in my story is that I did not show any symptoms so far and I have 5 more days to complete my incubation period.
Thanks to the digital world!!!!
Nevertheless, I will stay indoors as long as I could. Thanks to the digital world which allowed me to work from home, enjoy unlimited entertainment, could buy essential things and talk to my friends & family members – all by online. Of course this is not the case for everyone. But whoever is possible to isolate themselves in this way should do so till we see zero number of cases for a week. Each and every person is responsible here because we are talking about exponential increase. So please act responsibly, especially young people. Educate your-self, your friends, relatives, neighbours and servants about Coronavirus and "Social distancing".

It would be great if someone translates the above video to their local language and circulate it, after getting proper rights from the video makers. Educate your-self, your friends, relatives, neighbours and servants.
Stay safe.

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