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CoverStory

Basic protective measures Even a group of Indian researchers published a report
stay aware of the latest information on the coviD-19 outbreak, available on in late January stating that “the coronavirus virus may
the WHo website and through your national and local public health authority. have been intentionally caused.” The report found the
most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it coronavirus covid 19 virus as “China’s biological There was
can be more severe for others. take care of your health and protect others by a possibility of having arms. There was a lot of controversy
doing the following: about the report, after which the report was withdrawn
in early February. Scientists criticized this report, saying
WasH your HanDs frequently that there is no solid foundation in it, on the basis of which
regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or China can be said to have deliberately created Corona.
wash them with soap and water. The United States is now accusing China of not properly
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based handling the coronavirus virus infection, which spread
hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. around the world. A New York Times report said that the
Trump administration has also been discussing the theory
maintain social Distancing that the coronavirus virus has not spread from Wuhan’s
maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who food market in China but from the Chinese government’s
is coughing or sneezing. lab in Wuhan, where research work on biological weapons
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets is under progress. Now what does this mean that America
from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. if you are too close, you directly accuses China of? It can be a biological weapon.
can breathe in the droplets, including the coviD-19 virus if the person cough- On a Fox News talk show, US Republican Senator Tom
ing has the disease. Cotton said that “there is no evidence yet of how the
coronavirus virus came to be.” It came from the food
avoiD toucHing eyes, nose anD moutH market of Wuhan, we also cannot say for sure. We know
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. once contami- about China that it is famous for cheating and dishonesty.
nated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. from there, We should doubt it and also ask tough questions.”
the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Tom Cotton said in a separate interview, “The food
market in Wuhan is being talked about spreading corona,
practice respiratory Hygiene where the Chinese lab is located.” We do not know where it
make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. originated. We know that China’s only biosafety level four
this means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue super lab is just a few kilometers from the food market.
when you cough or sneeze. then dispose of the used tissue immediately. However, we have no evidence that Coronavirus was born
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you in that lab in China.”
protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and coviD-19. When Tom Cotton spoke of such apprehension, the
if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. famous American daily <Washington Post> asked the
stay home if you feel unwell. if you have a fever, cough and difficulty experts to get their views on the issue. However, by and
breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. follow the directions of large not all supported this theory. No one described
your local health authority. Coronavirus as “man-made”. Richard Ebright, professor
Why? national and local authorities will have the most up to date informa- of chemical biology at Rutgers University, told the
tion on the situation in your area. calling in advance will allow your health newspaper, “if we look at the genome sequence of
care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. this will also this virus, it is clear that it has not been deliberately
protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. produced.”
On Corona’s controversy, Scott Kennedy, a Chinese
folloW aDvice given By your HealtHcare proviDer expert in the “New York Times to the Center for Strategic
stay informed on the latest developments about coviD-19. follow advice and International Studies”, said that “calling the
given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health Coronavirus virus a Chinese virus is like presenting China
authority or your employer on how to protect yourself from coviD-19. as a scare around the world.” This hatred will increase not
Why? national and local authorities will have the most up to date information only against the government there but also against the
on whether coviD-19 is spreading in your area. they are best placed to advise common Chinese citizens. “
on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. But Trump said in a press conference at the White House
that he is associating China’s name with Coronavirus
Be cautious if you Have coviD-19- like symptoms because he is giving people wrong information. Trump
stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as said that “it was from the Chinese side that the coronavirus
headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. virus was introduced into Wuhan, China through
American troops.” They are defaming my soldiers. Trump
wrote in his tweet — “Coronavirus virus originated in
China, so there is no problem in calling it a Chinese virus”.

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