Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a total lockdown in India from midnight for 21 days to fight the spread of coronavirus.
India must also straight away allow internationally-recognized testing kits to be used here - these are already in use in the USA and Europe (do not delay by waiting for Indian clearance).
Coronavirus outbreak: Take necessary precautions. Practise personal hygiene and social isolation. Utilise this time to do all the things you never found the time to do earlier. Here are some more tips to maintain your mental health by Psychiatrist Dr Sanjay Chugh
Hopefully, you are following social distancing and not mingling, especially with large groups or in crowded places. Can wearing a mask help? Here's what doctors say:
People across the world are worried about the rising cases of COVID-19, a highly contagious disease caused by the Novel Coronavirus that was first detected in China's Wuhan in December last year. What should you do if you're feeling any little ill, flu-ish and you are worried that you have symptoms of coronavirus?
Coronavirus India: Airlines have been asked to ensure distance at check-in counters and enough space as passengers wait for their flights
With some 400 positive cases within a population of 1.3 billion, the burning question in the minds of many is whether India is under-reporting. Until a couple of days ago, there were strict, conservative criteria for COVID 19 testing.
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The global prices for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) have been fluctuating dramatically since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Because of this the price mentioned for a full PPE kit - face protection, goggles and mask or face shield, gloves, gown or coverall, head cover, rubber boots - may not reflect the final purchase price. As well as being able to procure PPE in necessary numbers, MSF also requires it to be of a necessary standard. The volatility of the global PPE market is likely to continue, which is why MSF has been calling for a form of regulation to allow equitable and reliable distribution of medical equipment and PPE that is of necessary minimum quality.
The cost mentioned is for a kit for a caregiver and not a single PPE kit.