Coronavirus Pandemic: A General View

                                  

Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 is known by many people as the Coronavirus, whereas others have also given it very funny names like 'Colombia ballot' amongst others.

The pandemic is caused by a virus which can cause illness such as common cold, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

The outbreak according to sources originated from China in early December 2019. The virus of this pandemic is now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) and the disease it causes is known as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) since it began in 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020 officially declared coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. This struck fear and panic as people across the world tried to find means to avoid the pandemic.

Coronavirus Symptoms

Some early signs and symptoms of the disease which may appear between two to fourteen (2-14) days after exposure are:

●        Fever

●        Cough and

●        Difficulty in Breathing

Other symptoms include:

●        Tiredness

●        Body aches

●        Runny nose and

●        Severe sore throat

Research has also shown that other people may experience loss of taste or smell.

The pandemic is in ranges as some people may not experience any symptoms at all and may recover quickly. 'The aged' however are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to existing diseases such as lung diseases, heart diseases or other respiratory illnesses.

Coronavirus’ Mode of Transmission

The cause of the virus has not yet been proven but close analysis has shown that the virus spreads from person to person and people in close contact (of about 2 meters and 6 meters away).

The virus can spread to another when someone with the virus sneezes, coughs or releases droplets during talking. One can also contract the virus if a surface with the virus on it is touched and that somebody touches his or her body with it, specifically the eyes, nose or eyes.

Coronavirus Prevention

  The coronavirus can further be prevented by practising the below:

●        Avoiding large gatherings.

       Washing hands with soap under running water at least for every 20 seconds and using                           an  alcohol-based hand sanitizer that holds at least 60% alcohol.

●        Covering mouth & nose with a clean tissue when coughing or sneezing and at once disposing of the tissue.

●        Avoid touching face especially the eyes and the nose.

       As recommended by various health professionals, it is advisable to wear hand gloves, nose masks in places such as grocery shops and markets where it is difficult to avoid close contact.

Impact of the Coronavirus

The virus has killed millions of people; nonetheless, t has also made a huge difference in terms of family bonding as it has paved way for various families to reunite, following various lockdown processes across the world.

The pandemic has also sparked different views, as some Christians are of the view that the pandemic is a sign of the End times as revealed in the book of Revelations in the Bible, about the Second Coming of Christ. The COVID-19 pandemic has also cast people's minds back to God. Many have rekindled their dying relationships with God even as they have realized the need to have a closer relationship with God knowing that their lives might end anytime soon.

Lots of lessons have been learnt from this pandemic already and are still being learnt.

Care to share your own?

Written by:

        Josephine Nhyiraba Kuranchie

    Josephine is a student on a journey 

     of self-discovery through writing.