IMA presses COVID alarm amid spurt in cases in China

Bhubaneswar: A alarming rise in Covid-19 cases and subsequent deaths in China has once again stirred panic among people across the globe. With the graph of Covid-19 infection showing a steep rise in various countries, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued an advisory for Covid-appropriate behaviour and appealed people to follow it with immediate effect.

The IMA has issued advisory to states and its local branches to take necessary preparatory steps in case of Covid outbreak in their areas. It also appealed all its members, through a press note,  to work proactively as done in the past to combat the outbreak.

Here is the eight-step COVID advisory pressed by the IMA :

1. Face masks are to be used in all public places.
2. Social distancing is to be maintained.
3. Regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitizers.
4. Public gatherings like marriages, political or social meetings etc; to be avoided.
5. Avoid international travel.
6. Consult the doctor in case of any symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, loose motions etc.
7. Get your COVID vaccination including precautionary dose at the earliest.
8. Follow the government advisory issued from time to time.

It is worth mentioning here that as per latest reports, as many as 5.37 lakh new Covid-19 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours in major countries like USA, Japan, South Korea, France and Brazil. India has reported 145 new cases out of which four cases are the new China variant—Bf.7.

“As of now, the situation in not alarming and therefore there is no need to panic. Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, all are advised to take following necessary steps to overcome the impending COVID outbreak,” the media brief by IMA read.