Report in May 2020

Dr. Vitthal Dhaygude
KNP College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal, Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur

The first case of 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic was reported on 30th January, 2020, originating from China. As of 19th May, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India have confirmed a total of 101,139 cases, 39,173 recoveries and 3163 deaths in country. Total active cases now are 58802.

Most number of cases are reported in Maharashtra State of India (Mumbai is Capital of Maharashtra State) followed by states viz. Gujarat, Delhi (Union territory), Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamilnadu and other states.

India's response to COVID-19 has been pre-emptive, pro-active and graded. The government took swift action to put in a place a comprehensive and robust system of screening, quarantine and surveillance as part of its response to the public health crisis right from the beginning. Govt. has laid guidelines to protect from infection and are being circulated amongst citizens.

India began thermal screening of passengers arriving from China on 21st January, 2020. During February, the screening was extended to passengers from Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea. Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia were added to the list towards end of February.

On 17th March 2020, the Govt. of India issued advisory urging to all Indian states to take social distancing measures as a preventive strategy for implementation till 31st March. On 22nd March, Govt. of India decided to completely lockdown 82 districts on 22 states and Union Territories of the country where confirmed cases were reported till 31st March 2020. Further, on March 24, a complete nationwide lockdown for 21 days was announced by Govt., which was then extended till 3rd May, 2020 (II lockdown). Further Govt. announced third lockdown period from 3rd of May to 17th May and now its 4th lockdown till 30th May we are implementing.

The schools, colleges, offices, workplaces, markets, malls, public places, etc. are closed. All sport events, gatherings, meetings, etc. were called off. All transportation means like buses, trains, aeroplane flights are completely closed during lockdown and Govt. is taking legal action against those who are violating guidelines for social distancing. Only most essential /emergency services are kept running during this period.

Meanwhile after 2nd lockdown, based on total number of cases and new cases reported certain parts of metros/districts or entire districts were designated as Red, Green and Orange Zones. The criteria for identification of districts as Red, Green and Orange Zones have been spelt out and some activities are being allowed in green zones with less number or no cases.

A relief package worth Rs 1.7 lakh crores has been earmarked for the needy and will be disbursed as the government sees fit. Also, several schemes were launched by Govt. of India to help and to provide all basic facilities to citizens. In addition, state Govt. is also providing all kind of support to citizens during lockdown.

Meanwhile Govt. of India has strengthened testing (surveillance), quarantine and treatment facilities to control the spread of this pandemic.

At our University, hospitals/livestock farm activities only are open with minimal staff. The students are at their home and most faculties are working from home. Online lectures through video conferencing app. are being conducted for students during this period. The faculty is constantly in touch with students through social media so as to maintain their mental health.

As far as economic losses are considered, almost every sector has been affected adversely. However, figures for the exact estimates are not available.