The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is officially named as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Coronavirus, which originated from Wuhan, China, has affected 198 Countries & Territories around the world. The rapid increase of the virus has affected 5,42,385 people and 24,368 deaths so far across the globe.
India received the first coronavirus case on January 30, 2020, and as per the report till March 27, 2020, 863 cases and 20 death cases have been registered.
Indian Government had put the entire nation in a lockdown till April 14, 2020, amid an outbreak of Coronavirus in India. After this move, all the transportation facilities had been shut down due to which migrant labourers across the country have been facing difficulty in reaching their home, and they are bound to walk miles on the highway. Labours are migrating as they don’t have work to do, and without work, they get penniless and are unable to buy food for themselves. The Indian Government has provided support to migrant workers by providing community kitchens and food deliveries. By taking this move, is the Government able to stop the migrant workers in their respective cities?
On the urge of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, “Janta Curfew” was imposed in the entire nation. He also requested to show gratitude by clapping, ringing bells, or by beating plates at 5:00 pm for 5 minutes for Doctors, Administration and People who are helping the country in this crucial time. On the one hand, the whole nation appreciated them, and on the other hand, Doctors and Airline Staff were tortured by the neighbours and were asked to vacate their rented home. There is no use of showing gratitude if people behave contumaciously.
Amid coronavirus outbreak, the North-East citizens of India are facing Xenophobic behaviour. In Delhi’s Vijay Nagar, a man spat on Manipuri woman and called her “Corona.” In Gujrat, girls staying in society are pressured by the residents to vacate their flats. Why would North-Eastern people tolerate xenophobic behaviour?
In Jammu & Kashmir, the cases of coronavirus increased to 14, and amidst this chronic situation, the government has extended the restrictions on internet speed until March 26, 2020, to “prevent misuse of social media application” following “recent terror activities.” Due to the poor internet connection, the people of J&K are unable to get reliable information on coronavirus. Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department of J&K tweeted to take safety measures and stay indoors. But how will these people take safety measures if they can’t access information on coronavirus because the Government restricted internet access?
With the rapid increase of the coronavirus cases around the world, the economic crisis is at its peak. The Dow Jones and the FTSE have seen the most noticeable one day decline on March 19, 2020, in the Stock Market since 1987. Apart from this, Travel Industry, Airlines, and Hotels & Restaurants impacted a lot and are at high risk.
In the middle of economic crises due to coronavirus pandemic, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved a lot. After the declaration of lockdown, there is a decline in the level of nitrogen oxide and the pollutant produced due to combustion of fuel. The factories are also locked, due to which the emission of carbon dioxide gets decreased. It seems nature is cleaning harmful pollutants by themselves.
In India, Maharashtra, followed by Kerala, are the most affected cities, and in this pandemic situation, the initiative taken by the Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan is highly appreciable. Kerala CM has announced a financial package of Rs. 20K crore and free rice for one month. The efforts are taken by the CMs of other states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujrat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur and Mizoram, and Delhi (UT) for their people is exceptionally perceptible.
The announcement made by the Government of providing Rs. 1.7 cr. Economic relief will help people a lot during this recurring situation. Apart from this, the initiative taken by NGOs and Delhi Police for the poor people by providing necessities and education on the precaution to be made in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak will help the nation to fight against COVID-19. Help the Government and the Nation to fight against coronavirus by staying at home.