Mysuru/Mysore:  District Vector-Borne Diseases Control Officer Dr. Chidambara conducted a workshop at Vartha Bhavan here yesterday for media persons to create awareness about Coronavirus spread.

“People need not fear about the virus spread. If we take all necessary precautions, there is no need to be panic. India is fighting the virus bravely. World Health Organisation (WHO) has appreciated the Government’s efforts in containing the spread of this deadly virus,” he said.

“But the country is passing through the most crucial phase of the transmission of the disease. The spread of the virus has four distinct stages and currently, we are in stage 2, which is very crucial. When people who have visited the virus-hit foreign countries come back to the nation is the first stage. In this first stage, the virus enters a new territory. In the crucial second stage, patients having travel history come in contact with new persons and therefore chances of disease spread begin at this stage, which is called local transmission stage. In the third stage, community transmission takes place and large areas get affected and in the fourth one, with no clear end point like it did in China, the disease takes the shape of an epidemic,” he explained.

“The Government has proposed certain measures as a preventive strategy to combat the spread of the virus such as social distancing. People should follow four most important precautionary measures. One, maintain personal hygiene; two, cover your face fully using a handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing or sneezing to prevent the virus from spreading in air; three, practicing social distancing which is nothing but putting physical distance, of at least 6 feet, between yourself and others as well as staying home when you can; and four, wash your hands regularly and properly for at least 30 seconds with clean water and soap,”  he said.

Dr. Chidambara also briefed about the origin and proliferation of the Coronavirus and urged media persons to share the best practices with the public.