WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS ?

CORONAVIRUSES ARE A TYPE OF VIRUS.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS, AND
SOME CAUSE DISEASE. A NEWLY
IDENTIFIED CORONAVIRUS, SARS-COV-2,
HAS CAUSED A WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC OF
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS, CALLED COVID-19.
HOW DOES THE NEW CORONAVIRUS SPREAD?

As of now, researchers know that the new

coronavirus is spread through droplets released
into the air when an infected person coughs or
sneezes. The droplets generally do not travel
more than a few feet, and they fall to the ground
(or onto surfaces) in a few seconds — this is why
physical distancing is effective in preventing the
spread.
HOW DID THIS NEW CORONAVIRUS SPREAD
TO HUMANS?

COVID-19 appeared in Wuhan, a city in China, in December

2019. Although health officials are still tracing the exact source of
this new coronavirus, early hypotheses thought it may be linked
to a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Some people who visited
the market developed viral pneumonia caused by the new
coronavirus. A study that came out on Jan. 25, 2020, notes that the
individual with the first reported case became ill on Dec. 1, 2019,
and had no link to the seafood market. Investigations are
ongoing as to how this virus originated and spread. 
THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR COVID-19

It appears that symptoms are showing up in

people within 14 days of exposure to the virus.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms include:

* Cough
* Fever or chills
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
* Muscle or body aches
* Sore throat
* New loss of taste or smell
* Diarrhea
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Nausea or vomiting
* Congestion or runny nose

In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure or death.
HOW IS COVID-19 DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis may be difficult with only a physical exam

because mild cases of COVID-19 may appear similar
to the flu or a bad cold. A laboratory test can confirm
the diagnosis.
HOW IS COVID-19 TREATED?

As of now, there is not a specific treatment for

the virus. People who become sick from COVID-
19 should be treated with supportive measures:
those that relieve symptoms. For severe cases,
there may be additional options for treatment,
including research drugs and therapeutics.
 DOES COVID-19 CAUSE DEATH?

Most people who contract COVID-19 recover. For those who do not, the time between
the onset of symptoms and death usually ranges from 6 to 41 days, typically about 14
days. As of August 13, 2020, 749,764 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. In China,
as of 14 June, about 80 percent of deaths were recorded in those aged over 60, and 75
percent had pre-existing health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and
diabetes . Individuals of any age with COPD, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other
underlying health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The
first confirmed death was in Wuhan on 9 January 2020. The first death outside of China
occurred on 1 February in the Philippines, and the first death outside Asia was in France
on 14 February.

Official deaths from COVID-19 generally refer to people who died after testing positive
according to protocols. This may ignore deaths of people who die without having been
tested. Conversely, deaths of people who had underlying conditions may lead to over-
counting. Comparison of statistics for deaths for all causes versus the seasonal average
indicates excess mortality in many countries. In the worst affected areas, mortality has
been several times higher than average. In New York City, deaths have been four times
higher than average, in Paris twice as high, and in many European countries, deaths have
been on average 20 to 30 percent higher than normal. This excess mortality may include
deaths due to strained healthcare systems and bans on elective surgery.
HOW TO PROTECT OURSELF FROM THIS CORONAVIRUS?

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

* We must clean our hands often by using soap and

water, or an alcohol- based hand rub.
* Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing
or sneezing.
* Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
*Avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth.
* Cover our nose and mouth with our bent elbow or a
tissue when we cough or sneeze.
* Stay at home if feel unwell.
IMPACTS ON GLOBAL ECONOMY

The pandemic will have significant negative effects on

the economy. Unemployment will rise and Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) will fall. Additionally,
government deficits will increase because the
government will try to help the situation by increasing
spending. Many people will lose their jobs. Household
spending will decrease. Many businesses will file for
bankruptcy or go under.
CONCLUSIONS

Preparedness is the key to addressing any health crisis,

and so far, every country has numerous limitations in
restricting the spread of the virus. While continuing the
lockdown at any cost with more strict maintenance, the
countries has to expand its testing and healthcare
facilities. It has to ensure a constant supply of PPE for
healthcare workers. Above all, improvised and timely
measures taken with proper coordination may help the
countries to fight the lethal virus.