Delhi on Monday reported the first positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Union Health Minister Harsh Bardhan confirmed the development.
In what comes as a rather grim development, the novel coronavirus has entered Delhi. The government on Monday confirmed that two more positive cases of Coronavirus -- one in Delhi and another in Telangana -- have been reported. The person from Delhi had traveled to Italy and is being diagnosed at RML Hospital, while the other patient has a travel history to Dubai and is undergoing treatment at an isolation ward at a hospital in Hyderabad.
"Adequate measures are being taken to combat COVID-19; people are advised to take precautions and to report immediately in case of any symptoms," Dr. Harsh Vardhan, India Health Minister said.
As many as 25,378 people are under community surveillance across the country. Thirty-seven people across the country are currently hospitalized to avail treatment for coronavirus or COVID-19. So far, 3,217 samples have been tested out of which five tested positive for COVID-19 while reports of 23 are awaited. China has witnessed 2,912 deaths due to coronavirus so far.
Coronavirus: What Delhiites can do to keep it away (As per WHO)
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
REFRAIN TRAVEL TO THESE COUNTRIES
China
Singapore
Republic of Korea
Islamic Republic of Iran
Italy
TO BE QUARANTINED
People coming from the Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or those having a history of travel to these countries may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India.
IF YOU VISIT THESE COUNTRIES, SOME PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES YOU SHOULD FOLLOW:
- Observe good personal hygiene.
- Practice frequent handwashing with soap.
- Follow respiratory etiquettes - cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness, such as cough, runny nose etc.
- Avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw/undercooked meats.
- Avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered.
- Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SICK ON FLIGHT WHILE TRAVELING BACK TO INDIA:
- Inform the airlines' crew about the illness.
- Seek mask and the self-reporting format from the airline crew.
- Avoid close contact with family members or fellow travellers.
- Follow the directions of the airline crew while disembarking.
- Immediately report facts to the Airport Health Office/Immigration Office and Helpline number (011-23978046) also.
- Follow the direction of the airport health officer or as issued by the helpline.
Also Read: 5 frequently asked questions on Coronavirus answered
IF YOU FEEL SICK WITHIN A SPAN OF 28 DAYS AFTER RETURN FROM COVID-19 AFFECTED AREAS:
- Immediately call the Helpline number (011-23978046) and follow the direction issued.
- Maintain effective self-isolation at home and with others.
- Observe good personal hygiene.
- Practice frequent handwashing with soap.
- Follow respiratory etiquettes - cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Report the illness to the nearest health facility and also inform the treating doctor
- regarding your travel history
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