Importance of preventive measures in tackling COVID -19

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an acute respiratory disease caused by novel Coronavirus originated from Wuhan, China and has received worldwide attention creating havoc and fear in the whole world. It was reported by WHO office in China on 31st December 2019 as viral pneumonia in Wuhan and later on named it as Covid-19. It has been confirmed in at least 188 countries and territories. WHO officially declared it pandemic in January 2020. Based on past experiences with different epidemics and pandemics, as well as the current understanding of SARS-CoV-2, it is recommended now that frequent hand washing with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and practicing respiratory hygiene could prevent the possibility of the infection. The practices like social distancing which include avoiding any form of contact with people; either through greetings, hugging or shaking of hands and large gatherings were also recommended. Furthermore, Veterinary health care workers should adhere strictly to the standard preventive measures while continuing to provide critical health care to the animals which include, maintaining social distancing, avoid contact with animal items, dead or alive animals, wearing of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) during the treatment of animals and proper disposal of animals and hospital wastes so that the staff, as well as animal owners could be safe. Similarly, health care workers of human medicine should also adhere strictly to the standard preventive measures like avoiding any form of direct contact with people; either through greetings, hugging or shaking of hands and large gatherings, avoid undue contact with infected items, dead or alive persons, wearing of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) during the treatment of sick people and handling of dead bodies. In this review the authors are trying to stress upon the pivotal role of preventive measures as there is no treatment for this novel virus till now and thus combinations of preventive strategies can alleviate the spread of this contagious disease till the vaccine is made.