Chandigarh: With over 2,096,573 confirmed cases in at least 180 countries, including at least 42,300 deaths, novel coronavirus has emerged as a single hiccup across the globe.
In India, the battle against coronavirus has various obstacles like large crowds, a stretched health system and inadequate infrastructure. But beyond these, misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic has been spreading across social media at an alarming rate. Keeping all these facts in mind, the ETV Bharat had an exclusive conversation with Dr Ravindra Khewaal, Additional Professor of PGI’s School of Public Health Department in Chandigarh.
In an interview with ETV Bharat, Dr Ravindra Khewaal answers all the questions regarding COVID-19 and what can be done to safeguard oneself from the infection.
Can high temperature destruct the Coronavirus?
Dr Khewaal: The coronavirus is not concerned in any way with temperature and no research has yet emerged that proves the coronavirus dies in higher temperature, adding that many countries are still continuing research on the topic.
What should be the minimum distance between two persons?
Dr Khewaal: Two human beings must be at least one meter apart when talking to each other. Apart from this, the mouths of both persons must be covered. However, they need to wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing apart from avoiding crowded places. We have seen many examples of patients who had no symptoms of coronavirus but later found to be infected.
What Kind of mask should be used to protect oneself from the Coronavirus?
Dr Khewaal: It does not matter which masks people are using in this situation but it is necessary to cover mouths. People can use handkerchiefs and other clothes to cover their faces. Women can use their Dupattas and Pallus too. They too discharge the essential function of masks. But if anyone goes to any place , like a hospital, where the threat of infection is greater, high-quality masks like the N 95 masks should be used. However, one must not visit the hospital at this time unless it is absolutely necessary. Routine healthcare visits should be postponed.
How to ensure the cleanliness of hands?
Dr Khewaal: Sanitizer is not very necessary for cleaning hands. If you can use soap with water, it is a better thing. One uses soap more thoroughly and it helps clear the virus in between the fingers and under the nails. If you do not have soap, use hand sanitizer but clean your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Dr Khewaal advised taking special care of the elderly. He also said that the 7 things told by the Prime minister Narendra Modi, are all very important. The first and the most crucial point he said was that the elderly should be looked after properly, for the situation pose danger to the elderly persons.
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