Coronavirus – A pandemic of epic proportions

Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) is the latest threat the world has to confront with. It started as an ordinary virus in Wuhan China and later spread to a wider geographical area within china and overseas within a span of three months. The latest statistics according to WHO show that the virus has spread its wings in around 192 countries around the globe.

The Coronavirus pandemic originated in china but the exact cause is still unknown though some sources point out to the virus prevalent in Bats. There is yet another theory, which supports the view that the virus spread from a lab in Wuhan. Whatever maybe the case, it has its epicenter in china.

The impact of the virus has been felt everywhere leaving lakhs of people infected and several thousand dead. In Asia, the virus has spread to the East, South and South East Asia apart from West Asia. In Europe, the virus has blanketed Italy, France, Germany Spain, and the UK. In the Americas, the United States and Canada have been badly affected with thousands down with virus.

In India, the virus has reached over 15000 cases spread across 23 states with several hundred deaths. The Indian government has announced a 21-day lockdown to prevent the virus from spreading due to public gathering. Social distancing is the buzzword currently and the only way to prevent the virus from spreading is to stay indoors without much interaction and social gathering.

The Novel Coronavirus has had a larger impact on the global population compared to other viruses like SARS, Avian Flu, Ebola and Zika. The economic impact of the virus can run into several trillion dollars by the time the crisis ends and as a result countries around the world have already started facing hardships in dealing with the imbroglio and the financial cost the virus would have on these countries could be devastating.

Several countries around the world have announced a complete lockdown of their cities and towns and with more and more cases appearing with every passing day, the situation is grim and quite nerve-racking. Prime Minister Modi has appealed emotionally to every citizen of this country to remain indoors and avoid public gathering.

India being a poor developing country cannot afford to lose its citizens to a virus, which has foreign footprints. Despite all the precautionary measures in place, the virus has claimed several deaths spread across various states. The lockdown has had a negative effect on various sections of our society with young and old struggling to make ends meet.

With no signs of the virus abating soon, the coming days are very crucial and extraordinary measures have to be implemented by various state governments to prevent the virus from affecting the local people including migrant labourers in villages and towns.

The clock is ticking at a faster rate and time is running out. Sooner the virus is brought under control; faster would be our recovery from this pandemic, which has jolted the global community with full force.