How to handle COVID-19 in your community? Is there a guideline to handle the infection? In this article, we discuss:
- The spread
- What is community transmission
- How to handle COVID-19 in your community?
- What to do if you show symptoms
- What is BBMPs SOP for RWAs
- What can you do to help curb the infection
So, How To Handle COVID-19 In Your Community?
The confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state are increasing. Thus, we cannot leave our guard down and it is more important than ever to follow social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines.
Though the government has taken many measures, it is every citizen’s responsibility to do what they can to keep the disease from spreading.
The Spread of COVID-19
Before we discuss how to handle COVID-19 in your community, let’s understand the basics. The coronavirus spreads from one person to another through small droplets containing the virus that are expelled from an infected person’s nose or mouth. When these droplets fall on other surfaces, the virus continues to live for a certain time period.
If another person were to touch those droplets, the virus would be transferred to his/her hand. When the person touches their nose or mouth with their hand, the virus can enter their respiratory system and infect the person.
What about community transmission?
According to the government, India has not yet reached the stage of community transmission. This is also known as stage 3.
Community transmission refers to a stage of the pandemic wherein an individual can get infected with the virus despite not having any contact with a known confirmed case.
This means that in this stage, the virus is moving freely within the community. Currently, most of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bangalore, Karnataka and the country can trace their infection back to interaction with another positive case.
What to do if you develop symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of the flu. Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Body ache
- Headache
- Diarrhea
The one symptom that marks a difference between flu and COVID-19 is breathlessness.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your family doctor. You may be told to visit the nearest fever clinic if the doctor suspects COVID-19.
Alternatively, the doctor may give you a prescription for a COVID test. These tests are available in many private testing laboratories but will be conducted only if you have a written prescription.
The results of this test can take up to 2 days. During this time, it is important to isolate yourself from other people in the house.
BBMP SOP To Handle COVID-19 In Your Community
According to the latest BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) SOP, if your test results are negative or if you have minor symptoms, you may continue to treat yourself at home in isolation or a regular room in the hospital.
If the test results are positive, the District Surveillance Officer (DSO) will be informed. A rapid response team and the DSO will visit the patient at his/her home or hospital and conduct further testing.
This includes measuring body temperature and oxygen saturation levels. Your body temperature should be below 99.5˚F and oxygen saturation levels should be higher than 94%. Patients with normal results can be treated in COVID Care Centers.
Those with abnormal results will be treated in dedicated COVID Health Centers. Patients in COVID Care centers who do not show any improvement or have worsening symptoms may also be sent to dedicated COVID Health Centers.
Patients with severe symptoms or patients who are over the age of 60 years with co-morbidities will be treated at Dedicated COVID Hospitals.
Treatment is provided free of cost at government hospitals and the state government is trying to cap the treatment fees at private hospitals.
Check out the detailed COVID Guidelines For Resident Welfare Associations
How To Handle COVID-19 In Your Community – Your Responsibility
If you develop symptoms of this disease, do not try to self-medicate but seek a doctor’s opinion as soon as possible. If the test results are positive, inform the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and your neighbors about the same so that they can take necessary precautions.
That said, if one of your neighbors is infected with the disease, do not shun them but try to help in whatever way possible while maintaining social distance. Also, you should:
- Always cover your nose and mouth with a mask in public
- Wash your hands thoroughly every time you come home
- Sanitize anything that enters your home from outside
- Ask your house help and guests to wash their hands as soon as they enter your home
Source: Defence Colony Residents Association
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