Coronavirus: It is not just government’s responsibility

This refers to your editorial ‘Coronavirus’. It is not just government’s responsibility” (March 19). The coronovirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, as the outbreak continues to spread outside China. It is to be appreciated that in India, we have implemented measures such as travel and event restrictions, shuting down schools, visitor screenings at all offices, increased frequency of office sanitization, and work-from-home provisions. Medical experts are still unclear about the source of this deadly virus but believe that it can be transmitted from human to human as well. In the efforts to control the epidemic, transparency is a key principle to let citizens know how to protect themselves and to let medical and public health personnel know which effective and appropriate interventions should be taken. There is no vaccine for coronavirus but combating it requires getting basics right, creating awareness and investing in public health infrastructure. Further, controlling the spread of the virus requires both public health and medical measures—and for that we need a clear clinical profile. Anti-viral herbs such as oregano, tulsi, dried thyme are great for immunity, and can be used in teas or curries for respiratory health including mucous problems which can become a “breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens”.

Vinod C. Dixit,

Ahmedabad