देश को कोरोना से लड़ने में सहयोग करें : एमजी रेड्डी बेंगलूरु , परिधान उद्योग के संस्थापक एम जी रेड्डी ( पूर्व एमएलए एवं एमएलसी , एपी ) के एक प्रसिद्ध ब्रांड ने पीएम केयर्स फंड में करीब 25 लाख रुपए दान दिया ।
उन्होंने पीएम नरेंद्र मोदी के विजन को समर्थन करते हुए उन्होंने इसमें योगदान दिया । उन्होंने नागरिकों से आग्रह किया कि वे समय समय पर सार्वजनिक रूप से केंद्र और संबंधित राज्य सरकारों द्वारा जारी निर्देशों का सख्ती से पालन करें और उनका पालन करें । घर में रहना और सामाजिक दूरी बनाए रखना सबसे अच्छी सेवा और समर्थन है जिससे इस विकट परिस्थिति में व्यक्ति अपने जीवन में आगे बढ़ सकता है । यह आज के समय की सबसे ज्यादा जरूरतों में से एक है । उन्होंने डॉक्टरों और स्वास्थ्य कर्मचारियों , पुलिस , मीडिया , आवश्यक वस्तु विक्रेताओं और सार्वजनिक अंतरिक्ष सफाई कर्मचारियों के लिए अपना विशेष धन्यवाद दिया । लॉकडाउन के बाद से रेड्डी ने अपने कर्मचारियों को घर पर रहने का निर्देश दिया और उन्हें इस महीने का वेतन भी दिया ।
Bangalore, April 2020: With the onset of COVID-19 and its uncontrollable spread, we need quick solutions to all possible hurdles to effectively fight the pandemic. While the demand for masks escalate rapidly, countries across the globe grapple to meet the requirement. Also, ensuring safety and protection of healthcare professionals is a priority. Management of the Dayananda Sagar University posed this challenge to the academicians in the University to come out with quickly implementable solutions, making use of the available resources.
Experts at the AUTODESK Design and Innovation Centre, Innovation Labs at DSU have come up with a Face Shield which is an important part of the Personal Protective Equipment needed by the healthcare professionals. It involves two components (a) Support with quick attach-detach attachment points to rest on the forehead of user and (b) Transparent film which protects the face of the user from viral load.
Based on the design, several units have been 3-D printed by the DSU team and released to Doctors for evaluation. After some iterations involving evaluation, design and manufacture, it is proposed to transfer the technology for mass-production to achieve cost affordability by common users. Typical pictures are shown below.
The Face shield has been manufactured using FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), a 3D printing process that uses a filament of a thermoplastic material. It uses Polylactic Acid (PLA) as a filament material and 120 Micron Overhead Projector Film as a shield which is swappable for fitting new film after use. The product is developed by Mr. Vinayaka K, Manager, Autodesk Design and Innovation Centre, DSU; Dr. Suryanarayana, Professor – Aerospace Engineering, DSU and Ajay P, Student – Automobile Engineering, DSCE. The first product was launched on 28th March and utility started on 31st March.
“The Face Shield has been primarily developed for the medical professionals who face the greatest risk and are more vulnerable to catching the respiratory infections akin to the coronavirus. The aim is to give them extra coverage and protection. As there are lot of people who are in close proximity with the patients, the requirement of such safeguards is large. We already have multiple orders for the product and are continuously searching out for ways to enable mass production amidst limited access to resources and technology.” says Vinayaka K , Dayananda Sagar University. He added “We are willing to take approval from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Bangalore.”
IIL in collaboration with Griffith University, Australia to commence the research
IIL will be filing for vaccine approvals with the Indian regulator post the preliminary research
Bengaluru, 7th April 2020 :Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccines manufacturing company, has announced that the company is going to commence research for developing a vaccine for Corona Virus (COVID-19), the pandemic which has infected more than a million and killed about 55,000 people across the world so far. The Hyderabad, India, headquartered vaccine maker joined hands with Griffith University of Australia by entering into an agreement for research collaboration to conduct exploratory research to develop a lead vaccine candidate for Coronavirus.
In this significant cross-continental collaboration, scientists from Indian Immunologicals Limited and Griffith University (Australia) will develop a ‘Live Attenuated SARS – CoV-2 vaccine’ or Covid-19vaccine using the latest codon de-optimization technology. The technology looks promising for developing a vaccine for prophylactic, active, single dose immunization against coronavirus in humans, with an enhanced safety profile. The vaccine is expected to provide long-lasting protection with a single dose administration with an anticipated safety profile similar to other licensed vaccines for active immunization.
Upon completion of the research, the vaccine strain will be transferred to Indian Immunologicals Limited and the vaccine maker will work accordingly with the country’s regulator – CDSCO (The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) – to further conduct clinical trials which will be taken up in a phased manner. IIL intends to use its existing Vero cell platform technology for mass production of the virus.
Speaking on the development, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “IIL is committed to addressing critical public health needs by engaging in this research collaboration. The mission at IIL is to develop and supply vaccines that support the One Health initiative. IIL has taken up this initiative to develop a vaccine candidate for the pandemic – COVID-19. IIL’s leadership in producing safe and affordable human and veterinary vaccines will enable us to progress well in this endeavor”.
Commenting on the research collaboration, Dr Prasanna Deshpande, Dy. Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “After evaluating various options being followed across the world, we decided to develop a Live Attenuated Covid-19 vaccine based on codon de-optimization technology. With our dedicated research and development capabilities supported with excellent team of scientists and engineers, IIL is committed to developing high-quality vaccines that are affordable. We are confident that this new cross-continental collaboration will yield the desired results”.
“We are very excited to be able to work closely with Indian Immunological Limited for development of this important vaccine to solve this urgent public health crisis.Our live-attenuated vaccine will be developed using codon de-optimization technology and is expected to provide long lasting immunity against SARS – CoV-2 following a single immunisation and cross-protection against other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS, SARS-CoV-1). As this vaccine will be a live attenuated vaccine it is expected to be highly effective by providing very strong cellular and antibody immune responses against the virus. The other benefit of a live-attenuated vaccine is a proven track record for economical large-scale manufacturing and well-known regulatory approval pathway.” said Professor Suresh Mahalingam, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Australia on the research collaboration.
Indian Immunologicals Limited is already working with Griffith University, Australia for conducting research and development of Zika virus vaccine which is currently at pre-clinical toxicology testing stage. The joint project has been progressing well and Indian Immunologicals Limited is expected to submit the application for conducting clinical trials in due course.
The codon de-optimization technology has been successfully employed to reduce the virulence of several RNA viruses including Enterovirus C (Poliovirus), Human Immunodeficiency virus type 1, Zika virus etc.
Bhilwara, once labeled as the epicenter of COVID-19, is coming back on track after the dedicated efforts of Ashok Gehlot led Rajasthan Government & local administration. Healthcare workers, home guards, police personnel, government officials and every other individual related to the screening of COVID-19 patients and are working without any leaves, almost all hours a day. It’s just not the duty they are serving, it’s a city, a state and a country they are saving.
The first case in Rajasthan was reported on March 2, 2020 and strict actions were taken in the state on the very first day. “Nearly 5 crore people are screened and 1 crore 17 lakh household have been tested till now. Things were also controlled with imposition of curfew and today, 34 places are under curfew in Rajasthan,” said Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot.
Adding further, “2 km area of a person found COVID-19 positive is sealed and checks are done. Today, out of total number of positives in Rajasthan, nearly 30-32 are the evacuees from Iran at Jaisalmer & Jodhpur. People with travel history or any contact with positive patients are being isolated and checked. The only worry is of people who are coming out positive and have no history of either travel or contact.” “Officials of the Central government are in touch with the Chief Secretary and they mention Bhilwara whenever they have video conferencing. We sealed the borders the day we got to know about the case of the doctor being positive with the virus in Bhilwara and it is becoming a learning ground after the commendable efforts.” ”22 lakhs families from villages, nearly 10 lakh households in the city were tested and that’s how Bhilwara is today an example in the fight against corona in India,” said Chief Minister AShok Gehlot.
In India, few hotspots of COVID-19 were listed, which were also known as the epicenters of coronavirus. Bhilwara emerged as one from Rajasthan in the list of 10 major spots. At one time, 12 out of 18 cases of the state were from here and Bhilwara was leading the tally. With 27 cases, the district was considered the worst hit in Rajasthan and for a few days, at the national level too.
But following the hard work & efforts, the city is now standing tall with 17 recoveries with 11 discharged. “We are now on a war-footing level and working in a 6-part process beginning with the imposition of curfew, coordination work of police surveying colonies where the visitor’s of Bangar Hospital, where it all began, might be staying,” said Harendra Mahawar, SP, Bhilwara. He further added, more than 5,000 people were listed who were consulted by the COVID-19 positive doctor of Bangar Hospital. Patients of IPD and OPD were also screened.
To break the chain of contamination, nearly 6,000 people were identified and put under isolation in only 2 days. The struggle just began as patients of almost 19 districts and 4 states were in the hospital when a sudden rise of positive patients was reported. Every single individual was put in strict isolation and a curfew was imposed within 15 minutes on strict orders without harming the supply of food & other essentials. CLG members, community leaders, and religious gurus were approached and appealed to motivate the public to stay home. Initiatives were launched, appealing videos were made and few unwanted social elements faced legal action too. Nearly 600 vehicles have also been seized.
“Team of healthcare officials led by Chief Medical & Health Officer Dr. Mushtaq Khan did a commendable job followed by tremendous efforts from the local administration and other staff,” said Mahawar. Speaking on the same, Dr. Mushtaq Khan, CMHO stated that, “We worked parallely on precaution and treatment, both were done together to control the outbreak.The main task was to identify the relatives of the first patient and isolate them. I would say that it was done on a war-footing level and everything got under control at the right time.” Adding further, “We are regularly tracking the patients even after we release them. As of now, 11 patients have been discharged after 3 negative reports of each one of them. People trusted us, they supported us and with efforts from both the sides, today Bhilwara is standing strong and lockdown has played a major role in breaking the chain.”
Speaking on the developments, Rajendra Bhatt, District Magistrate, Bhilwara said, “We have deployed corona fighters in villages who are led by the corona captain, the SDM. They submit daily reports on the screenings in rural areas and if there is any sign of community spread. I can proudly say that as of now, the numbers have gone down and each & every department is working together to fight this pandemic. Whether it is food & supplies, police, home guards, medical workers, and the public, we are fighting the battle together & have almost come out of it.” “We have extended a total shutdown for a few more days and people will get everything they need at their doorstep. No shop, dairy, the medical store will be open. If people want something, they will directly call us, whether it is medicine, food or anything else. For this, at least 4-5 control rooms of several departments are being operated and we are fulfilling demands. It is a necessary step to control the outbreak and bring out a total COVID-19 free Bhilwara in the coming few days. With the pace we are getting desired results, we will stop this soon.” As Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has promised ‘koi bhuka nahi soyega’ (nobody will sleep hungry), we are making every essential reach household as per their demand.
The administration has acquired 42 hospitals with dedicated beds for positive patients, 1551 bed quarantine facilities prepared at hotels and other such establishments. Other than that, places have been identified where if needed, an infrastructure of 10-15,000 beds can be developed. The senior officials are using every given chance to motivate their subordinates and have also deployed 3-tier security for the healthcare officials. A barricading outside the premises, a check at the entrance gate and a deployment of cops at the isolation ward has played a major role in making Bhilwara a role-model to hold the outbreak with discipline. Deputy SP has been deployed who looks after sanitizing medical staff before they enter the premises or take the duty charge. 25-30 lakh screenings have been done in the past few days and daily reports are being sent to either the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.
For 3 days now, the city which was named COVID-19 patients very frequently has reported only 1 positive who had a history of visiting the corona affected hospital. Adding another feather in the cap, the hard work and dedication of district administration has also recovered patients. Once standing high with 27 patients, the district now has only 7 COVID-19 patients as reports of 17 have now come negative and two lost their lives due to other illnesses.
“We sealed the city and later the whole district boundaries were strictly sealed. The population of the city has been screened at least 3 times now and people having normal cough & cold due to weather change (influenza-like illness), who were in thousands, were also checked and surveyed. Those having symptoms were put under isolation or quarantine. People also cooperated and it was under control. There was a time when Rajasthan had 18 patients and 12 were from Bhilwara,” said Rajendra Bhatt, DM, Bhilwara.
The users were in alignment with Prime Ministers message on positivity and unity
India; April 7, 2020 :ShareChat, Indias own social media platform, has released the user insights on #9pm9minutes that replicates the sense of unity among the users on the platform. Users started engaging on #9pm9minutes since Saturday 6 pm and the platform witnessed more than 100000 (1 lakh) user generated content (UGC) posts till 11 pm on Sunday. The largest made in India social media platform has observed more than 100 million (10 crore) views on the posts, with more than 5 million (50 lakh) engagements that include comments, likes, favorites etc. The posts received more than 10 million(1 crore) shares on WhatsApp. Hindi ranks as the top language with about 25000 UGC posts, with 30 million (3 crore) views and almost half a million (5 lakh) WhatsApp shares. Telegu was close in terms of engagement with 22000 UGC posts, with 32 million (3.2 crore) views and 0.7 million(7 lakh) WhatsApp shares. The platform has also seen encouraging contributions from other languages like Tamil, Punjabi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali etc.
ShareChat participated in #9pm9minutes to celebrate the spirit of Indianness and spread positivity to stand united against the fight with CoronaVirus, as wished by Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi.
ShareChat currently has over 60 million (6 crore) monthly active users. It is available in 15 languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia, Haryanvi, Rajasthani, Urdu etc.
For more information, download ShareChat app from Play Store or visit https://we.sharechat.com
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