Health and hygiene are given utmost weightage at this hour. On following certain precautionary and safety methods, you can stand a chance of keeping the virus at bay. The Akshaya Patra Foundation feeds freshly cooked, hygienic meals to 18,00,907 children studying in 19,039 Government and schools located in 52 locations of 12 States and 2 Union Territories of India.
There has been a lot of flurry of articles, news, social media posts, memes and blogs about the virus – Coronavirus that has been doing the rounds on digital media. The whole world is enveloped in fear. Theatres, movies, retail shops, offices, restaurants are on a hiatus and people are working from home with the same fear of contracting the virus.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 also known as COVID-19 is a disease caused by a family of coronavirus which causes respiratory illnesses such as cough, fever and severe cases of difficulty in breathing. It spreads easily by contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The virus was first found in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
It spreads majorly when an infected person comes in contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It spreads when a person touches the surface of an object that has the virus on it, then later touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The Corona symptoms are not very dominant in an infected person. They are mild and gradually develop the below symptoms:
• Cough
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Difficulty in breathing
Some may also have nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, body pain or diarrhoea.
Safety measure & preventive methods
The best method to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus mainly spreads when the respiratory droplets of an infected or person reaches the mouths or noses of the nearby people.
How can you protect yourself from the virus?
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness – Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Sanitize them with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – Avoid touching the ‘T-zone’ of your face.
• Maintain at least 3 feet distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your mouth and nose – Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. You can also sneeze or cough with your bent elbow to cover any droplets spreading to others.
• Stay home if you are unwell. If you have slight fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep yourself updated on the latest COVID-19 hotspots in your locality and avoid traveling.
Follow self-quarantine rules as directed by local health and government authorities.
Along with following the above precautions, it also helps to stay away from viruses in general if you have a good immunity.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that is following all the rules directed by the Indian Government to keep the infections at bay. It is an NGO that works towards feeding healthy and nutritious food to school children. The wholesome meals consumed by children as a part of the Mid-Day Meal Programme helps in boosting their immunity. Freshly prepared, nutrient-rich meals also help them to focus and concentrate better in class.
Our Reach:
At this time of the hour, you can help in boosting the immunity of children with your donation. Your generous donation will go a long way in benefitting children with health and nutrition. Join Akshaya Patra to take the first few steps towards a progressive nation where children are ambitious, healthy and resourceful.
Make these little children a part of your circle, help us to nourish and nurture them.
Do share your stories and tips in the comment section below.