Visakhapatnam: 'Social distancing key to limit coronavirus spread'

Visakhapatnam: Social distancing measures are the only way to limit coronavirus spread, said by GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) Hospital Respiratory Medicine Department Associate Professor Dr KVenkateswara Rao here on Saturday. He delivered a special talk on Coronavirus during GITAM Research Forum meeting.

He said that social distancing involves minimising exposure to infected individuals by avoiding large public gathering venues, adhering to spacing requirements in the workplace, and following proper personal hygiene practices. For an individual, it refers to maintaining enough distance between yourself and another person to reduce the risk of breathing in droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, he added.

The respiratory medicine expert also advised that social distancing for individuals mean keeping a space of 2 metres (6.5 feet) between the people, avoid shake hands and close contact.

He warned that panic buying of masks and other healthcare equipment may put lives at risk both from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases. He narrated the origin of caronavirus and world spread.

GIMSR Medical College Principal Prof I Jyothi Padmaja briefed about the GITAM University precautionary measures on caronaviurs. GITAM Research Forum Convenor Prof S Ganapathi presided over the function.