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A startup from Udaipur created a Covid-19 vaccine slots finder chatbot

The world’s changing, daily. As are we, updating ourselves and everything around us. It was not that long when we started to use applications on our smartphones and its not been that long too when we’ve started to use chatbots.

Due to artificial intelligence, technological advancements and other technical evolution the human race is definitely heading forward. Contributing to this is a startup by a few youngsters from Udaipur, where they have started an initiative known as United Against Virus to fight against the deadly coronavirus in a very different yet in a simple and subtle way.

Under the Initiative United Against Virus, their experienced team has created a chatbot.

About the chatbot

  • The chatbot helps people to find slots available at the nearest vaccination center without the hassle of logging in or following any long OTP process.
  • It’s a bilingual chatbot that supports both Hindi and English language.
  • The chatbot is available on Whatsapp, Facebook messenger and Telegram.

How to use the chatbot

The chatbot works in the following easy steps:

  • Step 1: Click on any of the below mentioned links according to your choice of platform.
    Whatsapphttps://bit.ly/unitedagainstviruswhatsapp
    Facebook Messengerhttps://bit.ly/unitedagainstvirusfb
    Telegramhttps://bit.ly/unitedagainstvirustelegram
  • Step 2: Send a Hi.
  • Step 3: A language selection box will appear to select a language from hindi or english. Enter the language you’re comfortable with.
  • Step 4: After the language selection, another box will appear that will ask you to enter either the district you live in or the pin code of your area. Select from any of the given options.
  1. After this small process you can get all the slot details i.e.
  • Where is the vaccination center
  • Available slots
  • Age group of the vaccination drive
  • Charges (if any)
  • Which vaccine is available
  • Time band of the available slots

 

The end goal of the chatbot is to increase the rate of vaccination by motivating people to get vaccinated. The process of logging in and generating OTPs are very time consuming, so this chatbot is a step for easing the ways out for the general masses. Also, the chatbot is free of cost to use so that more and more people can find the required details and get vaccinated and at the end all of us together, United can defeat the virus.

For more details visit: https://bit.ly/unitedagainstvirus

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COVID-19: Myth Busters

The next in the COVID-19 series are the Top 10 Myth Busters about Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ordering products from China can get you in contact with Coronavirus (COVID-19)

It’s completely false, as the virus doesn’t have a long life on surfaces. So it’s very unlikely to catch the infection just by the product that’s been shipped from an affected country.

Courier
Credits: smallbusiness.co.uk

People infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) will die

It’s another very common myth which revolves around the virus. The death rate of Coronavirus (COVID 19) is just 2% and people who are infected with it will feel similar to the common cold.

Death
Credits: metro.co.uk

Face Mask will safeguard you against Coronavirus (COVID-19)

It is definitely a myth as face (surgical) mask should only be worn by the professionals who are treating the infected patients and the infected people themselves. If a normal person wears it, it won’t be any good as chances of catching the virus in the space between mouth and mask is vulnerable too.

Face mask
Credits: belfastive.co.uk

Pneumonia vaccines protect against Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a new and different kind of virus in the Coronavirus group. Pneumonia vaccines don’t protect against COVID-19. Specific vaccine for COVID-19 is being developed by researchers all over the world with the help of the World Health Organization.

Vaccine
Credits: fbresearch.org

Gargling and/or mouthwash protects against Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There has been no clear and scientific evidence for it. Mouthwash only helps us eliminate certain kinds of microbes from the saliva in the mouth, not viruses like COVID-19.

Mouthwash
Credits: oralb.co.uk

Pets (dogs and cats) are carriers of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

No clear evidence has been stated yet. Even though it’s recommended by the doctor to properly wash hands after coming in contact with them. Also making them take regular baths so as to remove any microbes or viruses they are carrying on their fur (skin).

Pets
Credits: housekeeping.com

Antibiotics can prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Antibiotics are medicines which fight bacteria. As the name suggests Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a kind of virus. Therefore any type of antibiotic won’t work against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Antibiotics
Credits: biospectrumindia.com

Elderlies and kids are more vulnerable to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

All age groups are likely to catch this virus. The only reason elderly and kids are asked to take more care is because they have a weak or underdeveloped immune system which isn’t strong enough to fight off Coronavirus (COVID 19). Also, those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart diseases, diabetes etc are also more vulnerable to the virus.

Old and young
Credits: tapnewswire.com

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an airborne infection

It’s completely false as Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infection which is spread by respiratory droplets exhaled while coughing and/or sneezing. There is higher proximity of catching the virus in the close proximity with the droplets.

Eating garlic can prevent Coronavirus (COVID 19)

Even though Garlic is very healthy and may have many anti-microbe properties, preventing Coronavirus (COVID-19) isn’t just one of them.

Garlic
Credits: verywellfamily.com

This was all for the COVID-19: Information Series.

Thanks for supporting the initiative so much.

If you’ve any suggestions or queries please mail it to harshna@vivirmedia.com 

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COVID-19: Impacts

In the series, here we are discussing on the Impacts of Coronavirus.

 

Political 

Political impact of Coronavirus
Political impact of Coronavirus
  • Many administrators from the Communist Party of China (CPC) were terminated due to their conduct on the quarantine situation in Central China. A sign of dissatisfaction with the political establishment’s reaction to the outbreak in those regions. 
  • The Italian government criticised the European Union’s absence of solidarity with coronavirus-affected Italy.
  • The Iranian government has been brutally affected by the virus. On 14 March 2020, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani wrote a public letter to world leaders pleading for help. 
  • The outbreak has provoked calls for the United States to acquire social strategies popular in other wealthy countries, comprising universal health care, universal child care, paid family leave, and higher levels of funding for public health.
  • Diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea deteriorated due to the pandemic, as South Korea criticised Japan’s “controversial and sluggish quarantine efforts”.

Educational

Educational impact of Coronavirus
Credits: BBC
The educational impact of Coronavirus

As of 20 March, more than 960 million children and other students were impacted by interim or indefinite government-mandated school closures. Of these, 105 countries closed schools nationwide, implicating students who would generally attend pre-primary to upper-secondary classes, and 15 countries executed localized closures, impacting on an additional 640 million school children and other students.

On 18 March 2020, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released a statement announcing the postponement of ongoing Board Exams for Classes 10th and 12th across all countries.

In reaction to school closures, UNESCO suggested the practice of distance learning programs, open educational applications and strategies that schools and teachers can operate to reach pupils remotely and curb the upheaval of education.

Economical

Worsening Conditions of Stock Market Coronavirus
Credits: Statista

Coronavirus recession refers to an economic recession which may happen across the world economy in 2020.

Some economists suggest that China’s economy may contract for the first time since the 1970s. As the coronavirus spreads around the world, the stock markets have experienced their worst crash since 1987.

In India, there have been rumours regarding imposing financial emergencies. Approximately 53% of the businesses have been affected by the pandemic including all the major firms which are either cutting salaries of their employees or shutting off their operations completely.

Social

Social impact of Coronavirus
Credits: synthesio
Social impact of Coronavirus on Social Media

While enormous progress has been made in responding to public health emergencies of COVID-19 disease and coordinating action internationally, much more needs to be done to better understand the repercussions of the measures taken on citizens and ensure their welfare.

Sentiments of people reflect fear and disgust towards the outbreak as their lives have come to a standstill and they are experiencing nothing but fear and disgust.

They are also in the awe that the COVID-19 outbreak might be an apocalypse they never expected of.

Environment

River of Venice which experienced return of aqua life because of Coronavirus
River of Venice which experienced the return of aqua life because of Coronavirus

Due to the coronavirus outbreak’s impact on travel and industry, many regions underwent a drop in all kinds of pollution, such as:

  • The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air of China documented that techniques to restrict the spread of COVID-19, such as quarantines and travel bans, resulted in a 25% deduction of carbon emission in the country. In the first month of lockdowns, China generated approximately 200 million fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide due to the decrease in air traffic, oil refining, and coal consumption. It was computed that this decrease may have saved at least 77,000 lives.
  • Between 1 January and 11 March 2020, the European Space Agency identified a marked deterioration in nitrous oxide emissions from cars, power plants and factories in the Po Valley region in northern Italy, occurring simultaneously with lockdowns in the region. 
  • In Venice, the water in the canals cleaned up and encountered an increased existence of fish and waterfowl.

Cultural

Cultural impact of Coronavirus
Credits: CNN
The cultural impact of Coronavirus shown by covering the statues by mask

Another contemporary and quickly stimulating aftermath of the infection is the cancellation of religious services, major tournaments in sports, the film industry, and other community-based events, such as music concerts, conferences, fashion shows and sports.

BCCI postponed IPL till 15th April resulting in resentment among the cricket fans of India and abroad. Even the filmmakers have postponed the release dates of their movies so that it doesn’t collide with the lockdown. All the major religious places such as mandirs, mosques, gurudwara, and churches have been closed down. Even the stand-up comic tours, concert tours, conferences, fashion shows have to be rescheduled or cancelled because of the outbreak.

Potential long-term impacts of COVID-19

Long term impact of Coronavirus
Credits: crf.org
Long term impact of Coronavirus

The political, cultural, and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic may concurrently cause crucial modifications in human civilization. Major intellectuals have indicated that this could comprise a boost in remote work, localization of international supply chains, and heightened political polarization. 

Xenophobia and Racism

Xenophobia and Racism towards Chinese because if Coronavirus
Credits: nypost.com
Xenophobia and Racism towards Chinese because if Coronavirus

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, exacerbated prejudice, xenophobia and racism have been reported towards people of European, Chinese and other East Asian origin, occurrences of fear, suspicion and hostility have been identified in many countries, especially in Europe, East Asia, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Some countries in Africa saw surging anti-Chinese sentiment as well. There has been supporting for the Chinese, both on and offline, towards those in virus-stricken areas, but many dwellers of Wuhan and Hubei have reported suffering discrimination based on their provincial lineage.

Since the succession of the outbreak to new hot-spot countries, people from Italy have also been subjected to scepticism and xenophobia.

This was all for this article, next we’d be talking about Myths Vs Facts in our article of COVID-19 Information Series.

Stay Tuned! Stay Safe! Stay Home!

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COVID-19: Indian and International Response

When the world is fighting with the novel coronavirus threat, UdaipurBlog brings to you a series of blog posts to provide authentic information and answer your questions about the disease.

And today we’ll be talking about Indian and International response on COVID-19.

Indian Response

Situation update

As of 23 March 2020 (9:00 AM), an aggregate of 390 COVID-19 cases (349 Indians and 41 foreign nationals) have been recorded in 23 states/union territories. These comprise 23 who have been cured/discharged, 1 who has migrated and 7 reported deaths.

Government’s response

The Prime Minister’s Office, Group of Ministers, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Cabinet Secretary are closely surveying the situation. While addressing the nation on 19 March 2020, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi persuaded for resolve and restraint and adopting social distancing, including ‘Janta curfew’ (voluntary self-isolation) on Sunday, 22 March 2020 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The government has conjured powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to improve preparedness and response efforts. With COVID-19 being announced a pandemic, the State Disaster Response Fund, comprised under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is now available with state governments for reaction measures.

Janta Curfew

Central ministries along with states/UTs have taken crucial steps to strengthen supervision, contact tracing and isolation, laboratory facility, quarantine facilities, and ensure availability of sufficient personal protective equipment, trained manpower and immediate response teams for managing of COVID-19.

India Lockdown

In the latest travel advisory, the government has banned all international commercial flights into India from 22 March 2020 for a week. The earlier visa constraints also remain in force. These are temporary measures and shall remain in force till 31 March 2020. Universal health screening continues at all junctions of entry into India.

In another update, all non-essential passenger transport, including all train services and suburban rail services, all metro services and inter-state transport buses, have also been discontinued till 31 March 2020.

WHO Country Office for India support

MOHFW

WHO Country Office for India has been operating closely with MoHFW, on preparedness and reaction measures for COVID-19, comprising disease surveillance, laboratory and research strategies, threat communications, training on infection prevention and supervision and cluster containment plan, surveillance and searching of travellers.

We welcome Prime Minister’s call for adopting social distancing strategy. Effective enactment of the strategy will go a long way in regulating the spread of the virus along with hand-hygiene and coughing and sneezing in one’s sleeves. Even as we maintain social distancing, it is equally significant to stand together in solidarity to survive this challenge,” says Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India.

Resources from Government of India

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 24*7 helpline number – +91-11-23978046

Now let’s talk about how the International community responded to the pandemic.

Travel Restrictions

Travel Restrictions

Many countries who have been impacted by COVID-19 outbreak have obliged temporary entry bans on Chinese citizens, recent travellers to China and other affected countries, discontinued issuing visas or reimposed visa requirements on Chinese citizens, as well as citizens of other affected countries, say Italy, Iran etc.

Evacuation of Foreign Citizens

Several countries evacuated their citizens and diplomatic staff from the Chinese Province, primarily through chartered flights of the home nation that have been provided authorization by Chinese authorities and secondarily through own flight services.

On 1st February 2020, India evacuated 324 people from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport. This was India’s first evacuation flight. There were three minors, 211 students and 110 working professionals, and the flight was operated by Air India. 

International Aid

Aid-to-china2_coronavirsu_rec4

The humanitarian aid organization Direct Relief, in coordination with FedEx transportation and logistics support, sent 200,000 face masks along with other personal protective material, including gloves and gowns, by emergency airlift to the Wuhan Union Hospital by 30 January. 

India last month donated 15 tonnes of medical assistance to China which included masks, gloves and medical equipment. The supplies were transmitted by an Indian Air Force C-17 special flight which landed in Wuhan, China for evacuating deserted Indians.

India has also provided assistance to South Asian countries like Bhutan, Maldives and is in the process to help Nepal under the declarations made during the SAARC COVID-19 meet.

WHO Response Measures

The WHO has applauded the efforts of Chinese authorities in managing and preventing the epidemic, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom expressing “confidence in China’s approach to controlling the epidemic” and requesting the public to “remain calm”.

Numerous measures have been carried out by WHO on different occasions to provide relief and improve the situation in China as well as other affected countries.

This is all for today’s article. Next, we’d to talk about Impact of COVID-19 on different domains such as Political, Economical etc

Stay Tuned!

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COVID-19: Basic Information

When the world is fighting with the novel coronavirus threat, UdaipurBlog brings to you a series of blog post to provide authentic information and answer your questions about the disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease activated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (scientifically known as SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization (WHO) notified on 11 February 2020 that “COVID-19” would be the official name of the ailment.

According to W.H.O. Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, COVID-19 gets its names as “CO” stands for “corona”, “VI” for “virus” and “D” for “disease”, while the number “19” is for the year the disease was first identified. COVID-19 was first reported on 31 December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

Coronavirus
Coronavirus

The reasons for the origin of the virus are still unknown but the reports show that its first case was found in Wuhan city of Hubei province of China. 

As per W.H.O., the initial transmission of the virus is via respiratory droplets which people cough or sneeze in the surroundings. The virus remains active and infectious in aerosols for a minimum of 3 hours. The virus is likely to spread from a person who carries it but might not start showing any symptom as per an analysis conducted in Singapore, Tianjin and China.

Transmission of Coronavirus and how can we stop it
Transmission of Coronavirus and how can we stop it

Even when the social distancing measures are about to be lifted in China, there is a growing concern of recurrence of the virus. Though the city of Wuhan in China reports no new cases as of 18th March 2020, people are still in fear.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are not specific in nature, the person infected may be asymptomatic or may develop symptoms which are related to flu such as cough, sneezing, fatigue and most importantly fever.

Further development of these symptoms can lead to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, septic shock or even death.

Coronavirus symptoms
Credits: Yakenewhavenhealth

The usual time between infection and symptom onset ranges between one to fourteen days; it is most typically five days.

Though the infection can be initially diagnosed by the signs and symptoms, there are numerous techniques to confirm the existence of the virus in the body.

Viral Testing

This type of testing uses real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). The test can be performed on respiratory or blood samples. Results are commonly available within a few hours to days.

The criteria for Viral Testing is that a person is regarded at risk if he has travelled to an area with active transmission in the last 14 days, or has had a close connection with an infected person.

Prevalent key indicators include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Additional possible signs include fatigue, sore throat, anorexia, etc.

Viral testing Coronavirus
Viral testing Coronavirus

CT Imaging (CT Scan)

It focuses on radiographs and computed tomography but its success has been limited to a certain number of cases because of the presence of various other infections and viruses. Imaging without confirmation by PCR is of less use in diagnosing COVID-19.

The next article in the series would be about prevention and management COVID-19.

Stay tuned! Stay Healthy. Stay Safe!

For suggestions or queries, write to harshna@vivirmedia.com

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Appeal to Udaipurites for Janata Curfew

At 8 pm on 19th March 2020, Thursday PM Narendra Modi appealed the nation to abide by the ‘Janata Curfew’. Janata Curfew will be observed on 22nd March 2020, Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm. The aim of the curfew is to promote the practice of staying home and avoid going to public places, so as to avoid the transmission of COVID-19.

During the curfew, the citizens have to stay at home for 14 hours and practice quarantine at home with family. “On March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm, all countrymen have to follow the Janata Curfew,” PM Narendra Modi said.

People working in services which are crucial to the citizens such as police, medical health services, media, home delivery, fire-fighting and those who are serving the nation etc. will not need to take part in the Janata Curfew.

Another request made by the PM was that all the people should come out in their balconies or terraces or doorways or windows at 5 pm for five minutes and clap hands or ring the bells in honour of millions of workers who have been directly serving the nation without caring about themselves in the past month via health services, airport services, and many others.

He has also urged people to inform the other 10 people and act as a responsible citizen by spreading awareness about the Janata Curfew and measures to prevent.

We at UdaipurBlog request all the Udaipurites to abide by Janata Curfew for the sake of our own self and family.

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Udaipur Government Hospital sets up a special ward for coronavirus patients

A 14-bed special ward for coronavirus patients has been set up at Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital under RNT Medical College to deal with any emergency situation. Although no confirmed case has been reported yet The ward was opened based on instructions from the state medical and health department.

A control room has been established in the ward where people can collect all information related to the disease. The special ward in the hospital is prepared with all the necessary equipment including masks, oxygen meters, ventilators, suction apparatus etc.

According to the sources, the Principal of RNT Medical College, Dr Lakhan Poswal informed that the hospital is ready to deal with any emergency situation. The special ward in the hospital has other chambers attached to it for the convenience of the patients.

Besides, the tourism department has also raised alert among the hotels and homestays to keep an eye on tourists travelling from abroad or any coronavirus suspect.

Looking at the inflow of tourist coming from abroad especially from China, the department has been asked to report any suspicious case to the hospital control room so that timely action can be taken.

According to the tourism department, over 15 thousand tourists from China have visited Udaipur in the past three years.

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Coronavirus in India: What you need to know?

Coronavirus, a new deadly virus has killed more than one hundred people in China and has infected thousands across the world. Countries like Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, France, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Nepal, South Korea have reported confirmed cases of this deadly virus.

However, as of now, no confirmed cases have been detected in India. Although, few suspected cases have been put under isolation in Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

This ongoing outbreak of the fatal coronavirus originated in China’s Wuhan city. The deadly virus has claimed more than a hundred lives so far.

What is Coronavirus?

The Wuhan Coronavirus which is also called as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a family of viruses in human that can cause a range of illnesses including cough, cold, fever, breathlessness etc.

Coronavirus
Photo by Medical News Today

The name of the virus, corona, comes from its shape which looks like the outer layer of the sun’s atmosphere during a total solar eclipse.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus infection?

The common symptom of coronavirus infection includes fever, cough and breathlessness. Although the symptoms depend upon the type of infectant, some of the common signs include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Breathing trouble
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pneumonia
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

The first case of coronavirus was detected after mysterious pneumonia cases were reported in China.

What precaution should be taken?

The basic precaution recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) includes good hygiene and staying away from infectious people.

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing
  • Avoid close contact with people showing cough and cold symptoms
  • Do not eat a raw or undercooked animal product

Besides, WHO also recommends avoiding travelling to China if not essential.

Indians who are feeling unwell while in China or who have recently returned from China must promptly seek medical help.

India’s take on coronavirus outburst

The Indian government is preparing to evacuate citizens from China after the outburst of this deadly virus. The central government has also set 24×7 helpline number to attend queries about novel coronavirus.

Anyone seeking help or information can call on the national helpline no: +91-1123978046

The Airport Authority has designated twenty thermal screening options at the various airports including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad.

Health Ministry of India has published several guidelines for healthcare practitioners on its Disease Alert page.

Udaipur’s preparedness on Coronavirus

Udaipur’s Medical Education Department and Medical and Health Department are on alert following the suspected cases admitted in Jaipur and Madhya Pradesh.

City’s RNT Medical College has designated an isolation ward in the skin department of the hospital for any suspected patients.

Treatment for coronavirus

As of now, there is no prescribed treatment or vaccine available for coronavirus treatment. The virus has its own course and subsides on its own.

Patients who are infected with coronavirus need to be kept in isolation and must take proper rest along with the prescribed medication in order to recover effectively.

Rest, medicine and the right food are important for recovery from coronavirus.