What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea and loss of taste and smell. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. It can also be entirely asymptomatic in certain cases. However, even people with mild symptoms can transmit COVID-19.
Older people and younger people with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes or cancer are at higher risk of developing serious illness.
Over the past one-year, the COVID-19 virus has undergone mutation and multiple strains of the virus have emerged. India is currently battling the double mutant virus variant, scientifically termed as B.1.617. Experts claim that new variants are 40-70% more infectious and raise death risks to 60%. People suffering from the new variants of the virus have also seen more aggravated respiratory complications like shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, leading to the need for hospitalization.
Is there a Vaccine or Drug for the Treatment of COVID-19?
India provides two vaccines to its citizens: one developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University (Covishield) and one by Indian firm Bharat Biotech (Covaxin).
A third vaccine - Russia's Sputnik V - was approved for use in April but is currently not being administered to citizens.
Currently, anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to take these vaccines. You need to take two doses of the vaccine for it to be effective. Covaxin's second dose is given 4-6 weeks after the first one, while Covishield's second dose can be delayed and administered 6-8 weeks after the first dose.
Citizens need to register on the CoWin app to get vaccinated. Both vaccines are found to be effective and match WHO standards. Studies have shown that people who are vaccinated (completed both doses) exhibit milder symptoms than those without a vaccination.
What should you do if you or a loved one get diagnosed with COVID-19?
Doctors have recommended isolating the infected person in a separate room or area of the house to reduce the risk of infection to others. In case, you continue to share space with the infected person due to non-availability of a room then regularly disinfect the area.
In case of symptomatic patients, they also recommend regular monitoring of blood oxygen levels also known as oxygen saturation (SpO2) using a pulse oximeter every 2-3 hours.
Immediate hospitalization is advised if the SpO2 levels fall below 95%. Family members are advised to wear PPE suits while interacting with the infected person to provide basic care and use double masks (a cloth mask over a disposable surgical mask) at all times inside the house.
Food should be served to the infected person in disposable containers and separated from the regular garbage. Concerned authorities might reach out to the family to provide support. Family members must cooperate with them.
Ensure you have a pulse oximeter and thermometer at home to monitor yours or an infected person’s condition regularly. Watch out for symptoms like difficulty breathing, mental confusion, and persistent high grade fever and cough. It is advisable to be in regular touch with your doctor and not ignore the illness even if the symptoms seem mild.
What can I do to fight COVID-19?
We need to avoid going out as far as possible as the new variants of COVID-19 virus are highly infectious. In case a situation arises when there is a need to go out, we must practice double masking, wear a face shield and rubber disposable gloves. Other practices like washing hands regularly with soap and covering the mouth or nose while coughing or sneezing must be continued.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
It is important to adhere to social distancing norms while interacting with people. Keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. It is advisable to take a bath after coming back from outside.
Do not stigmatize people suffering from COVID-19. The healthcare system of the country is in dire straits, circulate only verified information pertaining to availability of medicines, hospital beds and oxygen on social media channels.
InfoDesk
Stay Informed. Stay Updated. Stay Safe.
Covid Resources
IIT Delhi, developed mobile app CoviRelief which provides live tracking of hospital beds, availability of oxygen, and Plasma in 15 cities in India.
Covid Support
A dashboard that uses Twitter feed to provide information about Covid medicines, hospital beds, plasma, oxygen supplies, food services and other important Govt.links and helplines.
Register to Get a Vaccination
GoI’s website to register for a vaccination. This is a mandatory requirement. Due to high volumes of registrations you might not be able to register the first time. Please try multiple times.
WhatsApp Chatbot of WHO
WHO’s official chatbot on WhatsApp to address queries regarding COVID-19.
Ensuring Mental Health During Covid-19
Stressed and worried during the pandemic? Here are some resources to help you deal with the uncertainty of the pandemic
Vaccination related information
Crowdsourced regional language communication collateral on vaccinations for COVID-19
Essential Services
Delhi-NCR
List of all COVID centres and care facilities by the Delhi government
COVID-19 War Room Delhi-NCR
Call: 011-22307145WhatsApp: 8800007722
24x7 Helpline Number: 1031
For pregnant and lactating women suffering from COVID-19: 011-22304568
Other helpline numbers for COVID-19:
- 011-22307145
- 011-22300036
- 011-22300012
- 011-22391014
- 011-22302441
COVID-19 Directory ↗
Contains list of both govt. and private services like hospital beds, oxygen cylinder supply, medicine supply, food services, sanitization services, telemedication services, test centres, plasma donors, COVID Care centres, therapy services, burials / crematoriums etc.
This list is collated and updated by a group of volunteers.
List link: Click here
COVID-19 Resources List ↗
This list is collated and updated by a group of volunteers.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vRR1glENQvCEZN8H7PzCq3bjSr2bQIIodVOd2kPmGy-wD0JMIFTHXVj8eLr0gW0Ya9UAO7Fti6XTUiz/pubhtml?gid=1485121466&single=trueOxygen cylinder availability ↗ [Link to - http://oxygen.jantasamvad.org/]
Delhi State Govt. COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Website: https://delhifightscorona.in/
District-wise Control Room Numbers:
| S.NO | Control room | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District - Central | 011-23270151 |
| 2 | District- Eas | 011-22029103 |
| 3 | District- North East | 011-22120014, 011- 22120015, 011- 22120016, 011- 22120017, 011- 22120015, 011-22115287, 011-22115289 |
| 4 | District - North | 011-27201325, 011-27201327 |
| 5 | District - North West | 011- 25951182 |
| 6 | District - South | 011-29533217, 011-29533229, 011-29533249, 011-29533260, 011-29533262 |
| 7 | District- South East | 011-26476410, 011-26476411 |
| 8 | District- South West | 011-25073502, 011-25073505, 011-25073507, 011-2 |
| 9 | District- West | 011-25195529, 011-25170142 |
| 10 | District- New Delhi | 011-23385743 |
| 11 | District- Shahdara | 011-22120019, 011-22120021, 011-22111077 |
Gujarat
Gujarat State Govt. COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Website: https://gujcovid19.gujarat.gov.in/
24x7 Helpline Number for COVID-19:
Call: 079-23250818
079-23251900 (SEOC)
Health Dept: 104
WhatsApp: +91 7433000104
Email: ssoidsp@gmail.com
Telemedicine / Telecounseling / Tele-Advice service for infected people and those in quarantine
Call: 1100
Individuals, corporates and NGOs who are providing free service to community
This folder is collated and updated by a group of volunteers.
Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VImEtrtZ78m7kO1EvdEUFowLhlY5Ra9x
Karnataka
COVID-19 Directory ↗
Contains list of both govt. and private services like hospital beds, oxygen cylinder supply, medicine supply, food services, sanitization services, telemedication services, test centres, plasma donors, COVID Care centres, therapy services, burials / crematoriums etc.
This list is collated and updated by a group of volunteers.
List link: Click here
Additional helpline numbers
- For Remdesivir injection and Oxygen
- Call: 8951755722
- Ambulance
- Call: 108
- General Bangalore BBMP COVID Helpline Number
- Call: 1912
- District-wise COVID Helplines in Karnataka ↗
- https://telegra.ph/Covid-19-helplines-karnataka-05-06
Hospital Beds (Bangalore)
BBMP Website ↗ [Link to - http://bbmpgov.com/chbms/]Crowdsourced Portal ↗ [Link to - https://searchmybed.com/#/p/public-portal]
Volunteer-run website ↗ [Link to - https://covidhelplinebangalore.com/]
Kerala
Kerala COVID-19 Resources Dashboard
District-wise Govt. COVID Helpline Numbers
- Trivandrum: 9188610100, 0471 2779000
- Kollam: 0474 2797609
- Alappuzha: 0477 2239999
- Idukki: 0486 2232220
- Pathanamthitta: 0468 2222515
- Kottayam: 0481 2583200, 0481 2561300
- Ernakulam: 0484 2368702, 0484 2368902
- Thrissur: 9400066921
- Palakkad: 0491 2510580, 0491 2510575
- Malappuram: 0483 2737858, 0483 2737857
- Calicut: 0495 2371471
- Kannur 0497 2700194
- Wayanad: 04936 202343
- Kasargod: 9946000493
Hospital bed availability ↗https://covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in/home/addHospitalDashBoard
Rajasthan
Rajasthan COVID-19 24/7 Govt. COVID Helpline Numbers
Call0141-2225624
0141-2225000
District-wise State Govt. COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Tamil Nadu
COVID-19 War Room Tamil Nadu
- 044 – 29510400
- 044 – 29510500
- 044 – 24300300
- 044 – 46274446
- 9444340496
- 8754448477
Government and private hospital bed availability
The TN Health Department official list of live bed status ↗https://tncovidbeds.tnega.org/
You can also register your bed request with the 104 Health Helpline ↗ https://ucc.uhcitp.in/publicbedrequest
Tamil Nadu State Govt. COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Website https://stopcorona.tn.gov.in/
Mental Health Helplines
Reach out and find support
If you feel like talking to someone about Covid-19 related anxieties or if you have apprehensions about your future and the likely impact of Covid-19 on your life. Reach out to the following organizations:
Sumunum Connect
Helpline Number: 1800-123-786868Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Everyday
Languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, and Gujarati
More details
iCALL
Helpline Number: 9152987825Timings: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday-Saturday
Languages - Multilingual
More details
Keh Daalo’-A Toll Free Helpline
Helpline Number: 18001 230611Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday-Saturday
Languages - English, Hindi, Bengali and Punjabi
More detailsE-Learning
Discover a range of free E-learning resources that offer you new skills and jumpstart your career. You can also be part of Quest Alliance’s live sessions or take an entire course end-to-end on QUEST App.
Quest App
Learn Better. Grow Faster.Interactive fun courses for 21st century skills hosted on a simple platform that is easy to use and free . It empowers you to learn anytime, anywhere!.
Digital Lessons
Bharat Skills PortalLearn essential Employability Skills on BharatSkills Portal (Supported by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship). Sign up now.
Watch Recorded Sessions
On YouTubeWe're uploading recorded videos of our virtual sessions on YouTube. Click here to watch the session.
DIKSHA Platform
Government of IndiaThe DIKSHA platform offers teachers, students, and parents engaging learning material for school curriculum. Download the DIKSHA app here and scan the QR code in your textbooks to access lessons.
MyGov: COVID-19 Desk
Government of INDIAGovernment of INDIA's official website for COVID-19 related updates, facts, and useful resources. Click here to visit the website.
Myths and Facts About Vaccination
“Myth 1: The COVID-19 Vaccination makes you impotent or affects your sexual health.
Reality: Vaccines have no detrimental effect on the sexual life of an individual and neither does having sex have a detrimental effect on the vaccines.”
“Myth 2: Vaccine shots should not be taken by women on their periods
Reality: it is perfectly safe for women to take COVID-19 vaccine during their period.”
“Myth 3: Vaccines can cause heart attacks and are unsafe
Reality: There is absolutely no relation between COVID-19 vaccines and heart attacks. When large populations are vaccinated there are bound to be cases of heart attacks due to other causes. No correlation was found between vaccinations and such incidents”
Support our Partners
In the wake of the pandemic, Quest Alliance’s partners are offering relief to our stakeholders by initiating a host of interventions. They have been offering critical grassroots support in combating the covid crisis in remote districts of India. Read more about their intervention and offer support.
YouthNet, Nagaland
Rural communities around Dimapur, Nagaland still lack awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic. They are unaware of symptoms, preventive measures that can be adopted to combat transmission, and the importance of vaccination. In order to address these issues, Youthnet has adopted 31 villages around Dimapur which translates to 3500+ households with a population of approximately 21000, and is conducting relief work, awareness campaigns, and vaccination drives.
They are providing 100 kgs of rice and dal to each village as part of relief work. And, providing two thermal scanners, 200 masks, five sanitizer bottles, and 50 soaps per village.
YouthNet has partnered with the District Administration of Dhansiripar (Dimapur Sub-Division) and the Medical Officer of Community Health Center (CHC) to carry out relief work.
About YouthNet:
YouthNet is a non-profit organization with a mission to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills and form attitudes to enable them to become self-directing, positive, productive, responsible and contributing members of society. It is one of the premier youth organizations in North East India that empowers young people to address education, unemployment, entrepreneurship and livelihood issues.
Read more: http://www.youthnet.org.in/
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) - AKRSP(I)
AKRSP(I) is trying to secure the health and livelihoods of rural communities during the second wave of the pandemic. Their covid response intervention aims to mitigate the impact of the current wave; and make rural communities and health systems prepared for any future outbreaks. Their intervention is across 2500 villages in three states - Gujarat, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. It includes:
- Large scale behaviour change communication to enforce covid appropriate behaviour in rural areas.
- Promoting vaccination among rural communities to reduce vaccine hesitancy.
- Supporting government run rural health centers by equipping them with essential material and services such as oximeters, N-95 masks, oxygen concentrators, PPE kit, and other personal hygiene products.
- Promoting home isolation or village level isolation for covid positive patients.
- Counselling and need based support to rural communities.
- Ensuring rural communities' access to information, social security measures
- Securing rural livelihoods (Supporting continuation of kharif crops, strengthening of agri-input and output supply chains, securing livestock, food security)
- Ensuring continued learning of children
- Ensuring continued learning and employment opportunities to youth
AKSRP(I)’s intervention will impact 3.5 million people in rural communities. The intervention has begun across all locations.
About AKRSP(I):
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) is a non-denominational, non-government development organization. AKRSP(I) works as a catalyst for the betterment of rural communities by providing direct support to local communities. AKRSP(I) is active in over 2400 villages of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. It has impacted lives of over 1.5 million people from marginalised sections of society.
Read more: http://www.akrspindia.org.in/
Centre for Development and Empowerment of Women Society (CDEW), Karnataka
CDEW currently operates in four Southern States - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana in 22 districts. Its intervention is based on providing quality education, skill development programmes, and establishment of community based organisations.
During the current wave of the pandemic, CDEW has been working with the 33 centers in the 4 states - Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra and Telangana. Their Covid intervention, involves the following:
- Ration distribution to 50,000 families across locations.
- Breakfast and cookies to 9320 migrant workers.
- 12500 Masks to the poor and local police.
- Vitamin tablets and critical medication for home isolation patients.
- 6 Covid Warriors were sent to two hospitals in Bangalore for 15 days to provide Covid care to patients.
- 130 children offered free coaching classes in three migrant worker localities to help them to continue to learn during the lockdown.
- 180 senior citizens, handicapped and sick people provided food four days a week during the pandemic.
- Medical support were given to 10 individuals.
Account Name:CDEW SOCIETY
A/C Number:15610100053171
IFSC Code:FDRL0001561
Branch:Bangalore/ KR Puram
About CDEW:
Centre for Development and Empowerment of Women Society (CDEW) was established in 1993. It is a non-profit, secular voluntary organisation to empower the marginalised children, youth and women through integral development and education.
Read more: https://www.facebook.com/cdew.bangalore.5
