Telecoms operators in India are doing their part to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Reliance Jio, Airtel, and the state-run BSNL all provided the following warning to any subscriber making a call on Sunday:
“Always protect your face with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing.
Regularly clean hands with soap. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose. If someone has a cough, fever, or breathlessness, maintain one-metre distance.
If needed, visit your nearest health centre immediately."
Despite having one of the largest populations in the world, India has managed to contain the coronavirus well so far. As of writing, there have only been six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India.
As we've seen in many other countries, that situation could quickly change. The action taken by the country's operators helps to advise citizens on how they can do their part to safeguard the health of themselves and those around them.
Scientists recently discovered there are two strains of COVID-19 and that it's even possible to get both at the same time. The one which causes more extreme symptoms is currently spreading the fastest but some experts believe it will "burn out" and leave the less aggressive form to continue spreading which, to most people, would be indistinguishable from a typical cold.
Currently, governments are in the “contain” stage of trying to limit the spread of the virus. Many are considering measures including the outright ban of large public gatherings.
The main concern is that hospitals become overwhelmed with cases that people are unable to access even basic treatment. It's hoped that if the virus can at least be delayed until the summer, when hospitals are less busy, then we'll all have a much better chance at tackling it.
As of writing, there have been 111,828 confirmed global cases of coronavirus and 3,893 deaths.
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