One minute read. Written by Saina Doval, a grade 5 student

Coronavirus or Covid-19 is a pandemic disease. It is easy to catch as it spreads really fast. Coronaviruses, like we told you in this article, are a big group of harmful viruses which are found in animals. A virus is something that infects the cells in our bodies. The name Coronavirus comes from corona, which means crown or halo in Latin and which is what the virus looks like.

It is also called COVID -19, which stands for Corona Virus Disease 2019. Read more about why the virus has different names on the World Health Organization site

What caused it?

The virus originated in China, from a place called Wuhan. No one knows why it is caused but there are many myths. Some people assume that it was caused by the bats in China, while others believe it was made for war and was leaked. Many people say that this is a Zoonotic disease (one that transfers from animals to humans) and came because of the unhygienic handling meat in China.

Which countries are mainly affected?

Many countries are affected but the 10 most effected are China, Italy, Iran, Spain, South Korea, France, Switzerland, USA and the United Kingdom. Latest city to have 50,000 cases is New York.

What is the Indian government doing about it?

The government has shut down schools, malls, movie theatres and markets. Prime minister Modi announced a thing called Janta Curfew for 22^ndMarch. On 24^thmarch the Prime Minister said that there is 21 days of lockdown in the whole of India.  No one is allowed outside their house other than medical staff, municipal staff and cleaners. This is needed to stop the virus from spreading.

Is India prepared?

Yes, India is very prepared. There is a lot of medical staff ready to risk their lives. Hospitals are planning for the future and are buying more masks and decreasing the amount patients that are coming for daily check-ups other than coronavirus check-ups. India is the only country who is saving its citizens back from places that are on high risk with the help of Air India.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

Fever
Cough
Cold
Tiredness
Difficulty in breathing

How can we prevent it?

See this poster below:

Follow these and stay safe

Written by Saina Doval – a grade 5 student