Kumaraguru Action for Relief and Empowerment (KARE), was founded in Nov, 2015 during the Chennai floods. KARE supports the victims of natural disasters such as floods, cyclone and other calamities and has supported during Kerala floods & Gaja Cyclone. This is a volunteer movement of Kumaraguru Institutions where many join hands when the need arises.

KARE COVID 19 Response Bulletin is an effort by a group of Kumaraguru alumni, students & informed citizens alike to clear the clutter around COVID 19 by providing informative, insightful news, articles & data around the world under various tags such as Research, Technology, Education, Economy & Insights with a short summary for each.

 COVID19 Basic Info & Previous Bulletin Link: tinyurl.com/blog-KARE

STATISTICS

India vs the World – The global race to defuse the COVID-19 bomb

COVID-19
 
Active Cases
 
Recovered
 
Casualties 
 
India773,7016,730,054115,233

World

9,157,601

30,263,747

1,121,434

The above graph depicts the average growth rate in active cases in the last 7 days across the country. It is seen that the active cases are declining in India at -1.3%.| Prof. Shamika Ravi

The above graph depicts the active cases in countries with 50,000+ confirmed cases. It is inferred from the graph that the new cases are
1) Declining in India.
2) Rising in Europe: Spain, France, UK….& Russia.
3) Rising in Iran, Argentina…and lately Brazil.
4) US: an outlier (Recovery data not getting updated) | Prof. Shamika Ravi

RESEARCH

Researchers develop new COVID-19 test that doesn’t use scarce reagents

Scientists have developed a new method for testing COVID-19 that doesn’t make use of key reagents but still delivers accurate results. This can be very useful in developing countries where there is a shortage of chemical supplies. This method is described in the Journal PLOS biology. While standard PCR tests have three steps, this version developed by researchers has only two. According to researchers, the test is ideally suited in developing as well as less developed countries because it is low cost and efficiency could extend testing capacity.|Times of India 

Vaccine availability and priority during vaccination

The government estimates to receive and utilise 40-50 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine covering 20-25 crore of the country’s population by July next year. Moreover, the government is preparing a format for the states to submit their list of priority population groups by the end of October to receive the vaccine and priority would be given to health workers engaged in COVID-19 management in getting the vaccine.|Indian Express 

COVID-19 long-haulers

Globally, there is a growing number of people who have survived COVID-19. Even so, most of them face the ordeal of experiencing the after-effects of the disease, with some experiencing newer symptoms. The long-haulers, as they are called, encounter various symptoms including exhaustion, memory problems, persistent loss of smell and much more. On average these symptoms lasted for three months and the majority of patients admitted to suffering a difference in the quality of life. While the medical community is still struggling to find the reason for these after-effects, for the long-haulers it all comes down to taking plenty of rest and a healthy diet. |Times of India 

VACCINE & TESTING

New tool to uncover patterns in COVID-19 mutations

Scientists have developed a method which quickly identifies and labels mutated versions of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The method is used to categorise viruses with small genetic differences using tags called Informative subtype Markers(ISM). This new tool recognizes patterns from volumes of genetic information and can identify whether the virus has genetically changed. According to scientists, the ISM tool doesn’t require analysis of full genetic sequence and noted certain positions in the viral genetic sequence that changed as the virus spread. In addition, the method can also reveal the portion of genetic code of the virus that remains resistant to mutations.|Times of India

Clinical trials on Animal-Derived antibodies against COVID-19

Clinical trials of Plasma therapy proved that it was ineffective against COVID-19, therefore ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) is now up for another trial. This trial would be to see if antisera (Animal derived antibodies) is effective against COVID-19. ICMR along with Hyderabad based Biological E. Limited has developed highly purified antisera and will be conducting clinical trials on it. |Hindustan Times 

Johnson&Johnson and Astrazeneca vaccine trials stopped

An advanced stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine candidate was put on hold following the adverse effect it had on the candidate. According to J&J physicians and safety monitoring panels are trying to determine the reason behind the “unexplained illness”. Astrazeneca and Oxford University’s vaccine testing are also on hold in the US to examine if the illness during the trial poses a safety risk after a participant reportedly developed severe neurological symptoms. |HindustanTimes

Eli Lilly pauses trial for antibody drug

Eli Lilly and Co said that the Government sponsored clinical trial of its COVID-19 antibody treatment  ,that is similar to the one taken by the US president Donald Trump, because of safety concerns. They said earlier this month ,it was applying for EUA for Antibody drug LY-CoV555, for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.|Money Control

ECONOMY

India’s contracting economy may reboot in October- December Festive season

Due to lockdown many people have lost their jobs and are having hard times in meeting their daily needs. Since the festive season began, traders are worried as people will restrict themselves in buying essentials and avoid luxuries. But on the other hand, this pandemic would boycott the majority of foreign products and encourage the sale of indigenous goods. Krishna Moorthy Subramanian, government’s Chief economic advisor says the major sectors like coal, oil, cement have been recovering gradually. The economy still contracted an unprecedented 24% in April -June quarter, with another downturn forecast for July-September. |Economic Times 

Oil loses 4% after Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and economic wobbles

The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. President’s health added to a series of jitters , including lackluster U.S unemployment  report and increased supply from major world oil producers.Crude supplies from Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in September by 160,000 barrels per day( bpd) from month earlier, a Reuter to result showed. Libya’s production has risen to 270,000 bpd , faster than analysts expected after the relaxation of a blockade by the Libyan National  Army. Risk markets were also down on concerns about ongoing negotiations between Congress and the White House over an additional economic stimulus package to boost economic demand.|Economic Times

Economic indicators allude to a steady recovery in almost all sectors

In its August review, the Finance ministry had noted that India imposed the most stringent lockdowns among the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a sharp contraction of 23.9 percent in the GDP growth rate in the April-June quarter.The economic review pointed out risks from spread of virus, even though it argued that India may have crossed the peak caseload. “To combat these risks, the Government has strategically undertaken various important structural reforms encompassing various sectors. These will strengthen the fundamentals of the economy towards a strong and sustainable long-term growth,” the Finance ministry said.|Indian Express 

GST Council Meet: Some states may seek a borrowing plan revamp, a mechanism to resolve disputes

In the previous GST council meeting held on August 27, the Centre had proposed two options to the states: to either borrow Rs 97,000 crore (shortfall only on account of GST implementation) from a special window facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India or the complete shortfall of Rs 2.35 lakh crore (including Rs 1.38 lakh crore shortfall due to Covid-19 pandemic) from the market. While 21 states have opted for option 1 among the two borrowing options, 10 opposition-ruled states have still not made a choice. The opposition-ruled states are also likely to raise objections to the calculation of estimates given for the borrowing options, which assumes a high 10 percent growth for the compensation cess deficit projections.|Indian Express

EDUCATION

Re-opening of schools

Although the Ministry of education has allowed reopening of schools from October 15, the decision is completely based on the state. This means what students will actually experience depends on where they go to school.Those students who do not wish to go to school can continue taking up online classes. Sharing of notebooks, food, and toys is prohibited amongst students. Assessments shall not be given for 2 to 3 weeks upon reopening. As far as Possible, parents will be asked to use their own transport for their children.|Financial Express 

COVID-19 deepens the digital education divide in India

India has the world’s second-largest school system, A total of 320 million learners in India have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have transitioned to e-learning. With huge regional and household disparities in access to the internet and technology, this transition has not been possible for all students and educators. Aside from the stresses of access and affordability, a daunting task for a student is to keep up with their studies and peers. The rapid shift to e-learning prompted by the pandemic has resurfaced long-standing issues of inequality and digital divide in India that must be addressed by future economic, education and digitization policies.|World Economic Forum

Impact of COVID-19 on Indian educational sector

COVID-19 has created a great challenge for the educational sector. E-learning is growing at a rapid pace. EdTech players are partnering with content providers, individual subject experts, and diverse institutions to offer training and coaching to learners globally. The flexibility of learning from remote places is propelling the market demand for this medium of learning. Currently, about 580 MN Indians have access to the internet and by 2022, this number is expected to surge to half a billion. Though this is a difficult period, this time can be used to re-strategise the learning methods.|India Today

PUBLIC HEALTH

Countries join voices for better emergency preparedness

COVID-19 will not be the world’s last health emergency and there is an urgent need for sustainable health emergency preparedness to deal with the next one. This was shared by participants of the United Nations General Assembly side-event on ‘Sustainable preparedness for health security and resilience: Adopting a whole-of-society approach and breaking the “panic-then-forget” cycle’. The high-level virtual event was co-hosted by Finland, France and Indonesia, along with the World Health Organization (WHO). Countries spoke of their commitment to health emergency preparedness stating that there is an urgent need to leverage the response to COVID-19 to build, maintain and strengthen sustainable public health capacities for emergency preparedness.|WHO 

WHO launches a portal for global data on health and well being of older people

On International day of older persons, WHO is launching the 1st data portal that helps to bring all data together. It says major causes of death in older people;prevalence of common impairments such as hearing and vision loss. Data in the portal is disaggregated by age, sex and country. During the decade of healthy ageing ,the global data produced by WHO, UNDESA, ILO, OECD are recognised. By the end of 2020, users of the portal will be able to create country  profiles as background for conducting situational Analysis.|WHO 

Coronavirus: Is the pandemic slowing down in India

India has been recording an average of more than 70,000 cases daily so far this month. More than 1.1 million samples have been tested daily so far . So, on the face of it, it appears there has been slow down in case numbers. The PCR test is considered more expensive and results take time. India has also allowed on demand testing, which may inflate test numbers of asymptomatic patients. A few “super spreader” events and increased mobility can again change the course in weeks.|BBC  

Bad air may add to COVID-19 burden

Years of exposure to high levels of pollutants has left people in Delhi NCR with structural changes in lungs that may cause respiratory problems in future. They may also develop serious complications due to this if they contract infections causing diseases such as COVID-19. A study was conducted and it was found that people living in a highly polluted area were twice as likely to have structural changes in lungs compared to those from other areas.|Times of India

MENTAL HEALTH

COVID-19 disrupting mental health in most countries: WHO survey

From a survey released by WHO, at least 60% reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people. Counselling and psychotherapy services have also been affected in about 67% cases. As many as 65% reported critical harm to reduction services and 45% to opioid agonist maintenance treatment for opioid dependence.“ People with pre-existing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection – they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death”. WHO has issued guidelines to countries on how to maintain essential services, including mental health services, during this pandemic.|Hindustan Times

Altered mental state in COVID-19 patients

According to the study published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, nearly one third of hospitalised COVID-19 patients suffer a type of altered mental function ranging from confusion to delirium to unresponsiveness. This altered mental state which is termed encephalopathy includes problems with concentration and loss of short-term memory, owing to worse clinical outcomes. Encephalopathy occurs with other diseases especially in older patients. There is little evidence so far that the virus attacks brain cells and most experts say these neurological effects might be triggered by inflammatory and immune responses that affect other organs as well as the brain.|Deccan Herald 

ENVIRONMENT

COVID-19 and climate change – A perfect storm for violent conflict

The global impact of COVID-19 is  combining with climate change to affect millions of the most vulnerable people in the world. A major risk today is that national governments treat COVID-19 and  impacts of climate change separately, rather than as a set of combined risks. Millions of migrants return home to avoid being stranded overseas during the pandemic — has meant new tensions over scarce resources have emerged or intensified in various contexts. The COVID-19 pandemic can be yet an interconnected risk, and can contribute to insecurity and conflict, and to think of multi-sector and inclusive approaches to build back better.|The Hill

Where can we get authentic information about Coronavirus?

KARE COVID-19 Response 

KARE is now supporting the front-line workers through local government by providing Food, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & sanitizers made in-house at the Kumaraguru Institutions. KARE is also connecting the farmers with communities who would required vegetables in bulk.


KARE COVID-19 Response So Far 

  • 43038 Cooked meals
  • 2259 Volunteering hours clocked
  • 10 Tons of Vegetables transacted so far
  • 28+ Number of Farmers impacted so far
  • 500 kg Rice
  • 1300 Liquid sanitizer packs
  • 2500 Masks
  • ₹ 4,95,141 Funds Raised
  • ₹ 6,50,000 Funds Spent
  • 57000+  Lives Impacted

Impact areas: 

Chinnavedampatti, Saravanampatty, Vellaikinar, Sathyamangalam, Sulthanpet, Paapampatti, Sulur, Thondamuthur, Narasipuram, Kangayam, Coimbatore & Pollachi.

TO MAKE A DONATION

KARE Bank Account Details

Account name: KCT KARE
Account number: 1245155000078376
Bank: Karur Vysya Bank
Branch: KCT Extension Counter
IFSC: KVBL0001245
Bank address: Kumaraguru College of Technology, Chinnavedampatti,Coimbatore – 641036