Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in India, the world's second most populous country, have been increasing rapidly in recent months, challenging India's ability to deal with this viral pandemic. The Government of India (GoI) and the States/UTs have taken a number of “pre-emptive, pro-active and graded” measures to prevent, contain, and manage COVID-19 in the country. These preventive measures and decisions taken by the GoI helped to stem the first wave of COVID-19 in the nation. Such measures and decisions were reviewed and monitored on a regular basis. The GoI followed a graded response approach, and ensured that there is no shortage of supplies of critical items, including medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N95 masks, test kits, medications, and ventilators, across the country. The government ensured the establishment of COVID-19 hospitals at both the Center and the State to take care of the infected patients. Nations like India are at higher risk due to their large population density, inadequate infrastructure, and healthcare systems to satisfy extremely high demands.
Highlights
The name COVID-19 is derived from the words corona, virus, and disease, while the number 19 represents the year that it emerged
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI), closely monitored the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, and its control had become a topmost urgency for the MoHFW GoI in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)
On March 02nd, 2020, due to the surge in positive cases reported from China and other countries, Indian citizens were advised by MoHFW GoI not to travel to the countries affected by COVID-19 (i.e., China, the Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy and Japan), and that people coming from these countries will be quarantined [10]
Summary
The name COVID-19 is derived from the words corona, virus, and disease, while the number 19 represents the year that it emerged. COVID-19 spreads mainly by droplets formed as a result of coughing or sneezing of an infected COVID-19 patient It could occur in two ways, i.e. via direct close contact with COVID-19 patients, if they do not cover their faces while coughing or sneezing. The second way is indirect contact, which involves infected droplets residing on surfaces and fabrics for several days. Touching such contaminated surfaces or fabrics, and touching one's mouth, nose or eyes, will facilitate in spreading the virus [2]. In India, the first three cases of COVID-19 were identified in Kerala province on January 30th, 2020, and February 02nd-03rd, 2020, and involved patients who returned from Wuhan, China.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
