Q5: Write articles on :
i) Coronavirus - An epidemic (hint : precautions, symptoms, govt measures) ( 100 words)
Answers
Answer:
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[7][b] The outbreak was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019,[4] declared to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and recognized as a pandemic on 11 March 2020.[9][10] As of 12 April 2020, more than 1.78 million cases[5] of COVID-19 have been reported in 210 countries and territories,[6] resulting in more than 109,000 deaths. More than 405,000 people have recovered,[5] although there may be a possibility of reinfection.[11][12] The case fatality rate was estimated to be 4 percent in China,[13] but varies significantly between countries.[14]
The virus is mainly spread between people during close contact,[c] often via small droplets produced during coughing,[d] sneezing, or talking.[15][16][18] While these droplets are produced when breathing out, they usually fall to the ground or surfaces rather than being infectious over large distances.[15][19][20] People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their face.[15][16] The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours.[21] It is most contagious during the first three days after onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.[22]
Common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.[23] Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.[24] The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but may range from two to fourteen days.[23][25] There is no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.[15] Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive therapy.[26]
Recommended preventive measures include hand washing, covering one's mouth when coughing, maintaining distance from other people, and monitoring and self-isolation for people who suspect they are infected.[15][27] Authorities worldwide have responded by implementing travel restrictions, quarantines, curfews, workplace hazard controls, and facility closures. [28]
The pandemic has led to severe global socioeconomic disruption,[29] the postponement or cancellation of sporting, religious, political and cultural events,[30] and widespread shortages of supplies exacerbated by panic buying.[31][32] Schools, universities and colleges have closed either on a nationwide or local basis in 193 countries, affecting approximately 99.4 percent of the world's student population.[33] Misinformation about the virus has spread online,[34][35] and there have been incidents of xenophobia and discrimination against Chinese people and against those perceived as being Chinese or as being from areas with high infection rates.[36][37][38][39] Due to reduced travel and closures of heavy industry, there has been a decrease in air pollution and carbon emissions.[40][41]
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