At this time, if the entire world is worried about something, it is the novel coronavirus (nCoV) or also known as the Wuhan coronavirus. Not to mention that this outbreak has already created much fuss across the world including India. Coronavirus which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019.

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) has spread to more than 160 countries including China prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease as a global pandemic. The number of confirmed global coronavirus cases have crossed 2,45,000 and more than 10,000 deaths have been reported across the world, as of 20th March 2020.

Although this Chinese Virus i.e coronavirus had originated from China, Europe has become the new epicenter of coronavirus with Italy taking over China in terms of death. Roughly 64% of the global COVID-19 cases are currently outside China.

The present state of affairs due to COVID-2019 is drawing comparisons with catastrophic periods such as World War II, the 2008 financial crisis and the 1918 Spanish Flu which had killed between 17 and 18 million Indians while 50 to 100 million had died worldwide.

India has reportedly over 200 coronavirus cases while there have been 5 deaths so far as of 20th March 2020. Note that these numbers may soar high in no time. Meanwhile, the government is locking down different parts of the country. The honourable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi has called for Janata Curfew on March 22 and urged the people of the country to avoid panic buying.

Workplaces in Mumbai, Pune have been shut while the malls in Delhi have been closed. The government is urging people to avoid public gathering through social distancing. School, colleges, bars, restaurants, offices, etc. across the country have been directed to either shut down their operation or operate partially till 31st March 2020.

Coronavirus has given its hardest blow on the world economy while India is also feeling the heat of it so intensely. Ex advisor to the POTUS Mr Donald Trump, has warned that the effects of coronavirus could be so intense that it could spark another Great Depression. Now the thing is, no one can predict the clear picture of the current situation or where it will stop. No one knows what tomorrow has stored for the world. We all need to take precaution without panicking.

What Is Coronavirus Disease?

This disease is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encounter before. This virus has come from animals, just like other coronaviruses (CoV). Most of the people who were initially infected with the coronavirus had either worked or often shopped in the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan.

However, a new study conducted by Chinese Researchers shows that the novel coronavirus didn’t originate from the Huanan Seafood Market. The study also indicated that the infection may have begun in late November 2019 from human-to-human transmission from a place other than the Huanan Seafood Market. So how the virus actually got spread might take some time to become apparent, but for now you must make sure that you are safe from the transmission.

Coronaviruses has its roots in a large family of viruses that cause illness. These illnesses include common cold in the initial stange. These viruses also cause severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). However, this novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a fresh virus that has not been previously identified in humans.

What Are the Symptoms of This Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)?

Those infected by the coronavirus may either be asymptomatic or develop various symptoms like fever, cold, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, or muscle pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed 55,924 laboratory-confirmed cases in China and indicated the following typical signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Respiratory symptoms
• Sputum production
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle pain or joint pain
• Chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nasal congestion
• Diarrhoea
• Haemoptysis
• Conjunctival congestion

What Are the Standard Recommendations to Prevent the Infection?

WHO has suggested the following to prevent the infection:

• Regular hand washing
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Cook meat, eggs etc. thoroughly
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as sneezing and coughing

Is the Coronavirus Outbreak a Pandemic?

Yes.
The World Health Organization has called for 'urgent and aggressive action' as coronavirus spreads to 114 countries.
WHO declared coronavirus a global pandemic on Wednesday, 11th March 2020.
For now, the major issues that require further insights are:

• How contagious this new coronavirus between people?
• What percentage of infected people become severely ill and end up in hospital?

In most of the cases, the viruses that spread easily tend to have a milder impact. In general, the coronavirus appears to be taking older people into its grip, with few cases in children.

Should You Panic?

Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, the Regional Coordinator of South-East Asia, Emergency Risk Management (ERM), WHO, said that people of India need not panic for the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19). All the cases tested positive in the country were because of travelling abroad. The Indian citizens' caught the coronavirus on foreign land.

India has imposed strict travel ban to the country as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic. So far, India’s count of infected people is 73 with no confirmed deaths from the disease. However, Dr Roderico H. Ofrin cautioned the old and the very young since that's the age group which is most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Are You Looking for Insurance for Coronavirus?

Coronavirus has already generated immense fear among people across the globe including India. However, if you are looking for a safe shelter from this pandemic, you can always sign up for coronavirus specific insurance policy that will offer the following coverage:

If the test for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is found positive from any of the authorized centres of ICMR – National Institute of Virology, Pune, you will get 100% of the Sum Insured. You do not have to wait for the completion of treatment.

If you are quarantine in a Government or Military hospital for at least 14 consecutive days, the company will give you 50% Lump Sum of the Sum Insured. This is applicable even if the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) later shows negative since this policy covers the screening as well as treatment costs.

What Are the Exclusions of This Policy?

• Patients only under investigation (PUI) with inconclusive reports will not be qualified for this policy.
• The cost for symptomatic treatment in absence of COVID-19 (test negative) will not be covered.
• The policy will not offer coverage for testing done in a center other than the ones that are authorized in India (ICMR - National Institute of Virology – Pune, India)
• The cost of treatment that is done outside India will not be covered.
• The policy will not cover any pre-existing condition whether it is declared or undeclared.
• Added expenses of multiple testing or costs of medications will not be covered.
• Patients who are currently quarantined or have already been quarantined for COVID-2019 virus will not be qualified for this policy.
• No coverage will be offered if the policy buyer has travelled to China /Japan/ Iran/ Singapore/ Italy/ South Korea/ Malaysia/ Hong Kong/ Thailand/ Macau / Taiwan/ Kuwait and Bahrain in last 4 weeks.
• No coverage will be offered if the person has prolonged respiratory symptoms for last 4 weeks.
• The policy will not offer any coverage if the Virus was contracted while on visit to China /Japan/ Iran/ Singapore/ Italy/ South Korea/ Malaysia/ Hong Kong/ Thailand/ Macau / Taiwan/ Kuwait and Bahrain, since Dec 1, 2019.

Takeaway!

As you all are very well aware of the phrase “Prevention is better than cure”, it basically sits well to the current scenarios the world is facing today due to the pandemic COVID-2019. Being on the safe side is always a wide idea than standing knee deep in the ocean of doubt of uncertainly. Purchasing a policy for the protection of you and your family against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could be one of the wisest decisions you can make today since we can’t predict the deterioration of the current situation and what we may have to witness tomorrow.