IMA: Social distancing pivotal in preventing community transmission

Community transmission or Stage 3 of the coronavirus outbreak threat looms large and social distancing has played a major role in avoiding India's progress into it, said Dr R.N. Tandon, Secretary General, Indian Medical Association.

New Delhi, April 5 Community transmission or Stage 3 of the coronavirus outbreak threat looms large and social distancing has played a major role in avoiding India's progress into it, said Dr R.N. Tandon, Secretary General, Indian Medical Association.

Speaking to , Dr Tandon said during the period of nationwide lockdown, where most of the economic activity has ceased to exist, to contain the coronavirus outbreak, people should prioritize mental health. "People have been forcibly given time to whatever they want to do. They should positively use this time period. 'Janata curfew' was in solidarity with people who were quarantined after they were tested positive for coronavirus. It was for their good, and also for the good of everybody", said Dr Tandon.

On the deadly strain of the virus in the country, Dr. Tandon said it is too early to comment if the virus has mutated and adapted to the country's climatic condition; largely, it seems the strain is similar to the one found in China.

According to reports, virus mutations are common, but this does not change the virulence of any strain of the coronavirus. A strain is a sub-type of a virus, which is characterized by different cell surface proteins. Researchers are tracking the current strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes illness COVID-19. The strains of the coronavirus have made their way globally, leading to a trail of death and disease.

Coronavirus is an enveloped virus, as it has an outer lipid membrane layer and the same strain with viral load can cause a range in severity of illness. "It is surrounded by a fat layer. How will the virus respond to an increase in the temperature

( With inputs from IANS )