Coronavirus Outbreak: What Measures Are Countries Taking To Stop The Spread Of The Virus

Amid coronavirus every country is taking different measures to protect its citizens and preventing the spread of the disease. Governments are acting on medical and scientific advice from leading experts.

Countries around the world are trying to stop the coronavirus from infecting more people, till date more than 100,000 people have been infected and more than 4,000 others have died because of it. Here's a look at some of the measures that the nine countries with the most number of cases have implemented so far.

China

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China is where coronavirus first spread. China had more than 80,000 cases and more than 3,100 deaths since the outbreak that began in the city of Wuhan in December. People in Wuhan and in Hubei province have been largely confined to their homes for more than 50 days. The lock-down began in the city of Wuhan on January 23. China also built a temporary hospital within 10 days, which is commendable.

Within weeks the government in Hubei began enforcing ¡°closed management¡± of all the residential complexes, banning the use of private cars, forbidding the residents from leaving their homes or apartments without permission. For purchase of medicine they also had to disclose their temperature, address and identification number at the pharmacy. Many officials even started buying and delivering groceries and medication in their jurisdiction.

China also rewarded people financially for reporting those who fail to follow quarantine orders. Many residents in Wuhan became dependent on delivery workers who used to deliver food and other necessities on scooters or motorcycles. Hospitals also started to rely on these couriers to deliver the medical supplies.

The severe restrictions in Hubei are credited as the main reason for the decline in the spread of coronavirus but such measures are difficult to enforce in democratic societies.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping toured the city of Wuhan on Tuesday, the third day that no new cases had been reported outside the epicentre of Hubei. During his latest visit Jinping said that the ¡°country¡¯s outbreak has been basically curbed¡±

Italy

Italy has got more than 9,000 cases and reported 463 deaths due to coronavirus, mostly found in the north zone. The number of cases increased significantly in the recent time.

On Monday, the Italian government announced measures to limit the virus that first spread in the country in the month of February. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared all of Italy a ¡°red zone¡± this means people should stay home except for work and other emergencies.

Gathering of people has been banned and freedom of movement limited. All domestic sports events in the county have been suspended until April 3.

The prime minister said to the people of Italy, ¡°they must change their habits starting now¡± and cited the rising number of cases and deaths.

The primary goal of the Italian government is to keep people from gathering in groups. All museums, multiplexes and theatres have been closed until April 3. Schools and universities are also being closed due to the adverse effects of coronavirus. The orders to close bars and restaurants by 6 pm each day and malls and supermarkets to remain closed on weekends. If citizens want to move from one town to another, they will need a document signed by the police which is self-certifying that the person is travelling for work, health or emergency purposes only.

Those strong measures have already been implemented over the weekend in northern Italy where most of the country¡¯s confirmed cases of this COVID -19 coronavirus disease are located.

Iran

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Iran too has seen a huge number of positive coronavirus cases. There are more than 8,000 cases and almost 300 deaths from the coronavirus in the country.

Public gatherings of people in Iran which includes Friday prayers in Tehran and other cities have been cancelled. Schools and other public places have been closed. Crews of cleaners have been deployed to sanitise trains, buses and public places.

On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Zaved Jarif on twitter posted, "Strict preventive measures ¡ª including screening of air travellers at departure gates --are being implemented."

A few days earlier, he had asked for supplies for Iran which includes masks, ventilators, test kits, and protective wear, blaming the U.S for endangering Iranians.

There are a number of top leaders who have contracted the disease such as 71-year-old senior adviser to the supreme leader who died last week due to coronavirus.

United States

The United States has confirmed 700 cases and 29 deaths because of COVID-19. The positive cases of coronavirus have been found in 37 states and the District of Columbia.

The federal government has not announced any significant nationwide measures to limit the spread of coronavirus. The restriction on travellers from certain countries from entering the U.S has been implemented. Restrictions or containment measures have mostly come from the state and local authorities.

On Tuesday the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a ¡°containment area¡± with a one mile radius. All public places like schools, churches, community centres within this radius will be closed and large gatherings have been banned, these measures have been implemented for two weeks starting Tuesday.

California¡¯s Santa Clara County has banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people. The County officials warn violators that they could face a shutdown by police as well as possible fines or arrest.

President Donald Trump on Monday said that he will ask Congress to pass a payroll tax cut and relief for hourly wage workers in order to help them as the coronavirus outbreak may have limited their financial capabilities.

Trump also said, ¡°We are going to take care of and have been taking care of American public and the American economy.¡±

South Korea

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South Korea has seen more than 7, 500 cases and more than 50 deaths. People in cities of South Korea have been asked to stay home, offices have been closed and many events have been postponed. The nation¡¯s schools are closed until March 22.

The largest outbreak of coronavirus was in the city of Daegu which accounts for more than three-quarters of the cases. South Korea has seen the number of new cases decline and has been a model of coronavirus testing.

South Korea, where the number of new positive cases has been on the decline. The country in itself has 50 drive through screening clinics where people can get a medical exam and have a sample taken in just 10 minutes which makes it easy to access people's health. Healthcare workers in the country are processing up to 15,000 tests every day.

Coronavirus has been rapidly spreading in most of the countries, Here¡¯s what you can do to feel safe and make sure your family is also safe from the virus.

Self-care methods against COVID-19

1. Wash your hands for about 20 seconds and apply a sanitizing gel
2. Even if you have no symptoms, you should work from home and avoid social gatherings.
3. Use a tissue to cough and sneeze to save others from the virus or even a flu.
4. If you don¡¯t have a tissue handy then use your sleeve not your hands to sneeze
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
6. Avoid physical contact with people who are unwell

Symptoms of Coronavirus and precautions

1. Continuous cough , high fever you should choose to stay in quarantine for almost 14 days.
2. Stay at least 3-4 steps away from other people if possible
3. If you symptoms gets worse or not getting better within 7 days, seek for medical advice
4. Get yourself tested for coronavirus from your nearest hospital.