Impact of COVID-19, Lockdowns and Economic Slowdown on Food and Nutrition Security in India

The two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in India have resulted in widespread food insecurity and hunger in the country as a result of the burden of health expenditure and illness, economic slowdown and loss of livelihoods. Given the context of high levels of malnutrition and some reversal in the gains made in the last decade, this could have serious long-term implications. The response of the government in the form of additional benefits for PDS beneficiaries and some continuation of school meals and supplementary nutrition under ICDS scheme has been inadequate. This paper argues that there is a need to use the pandemic as an opportunity to expand and strengthen these schemes with a view of making the food system more equitable. As immediate measures, universalisation of the PDS including pulses and oil and strengthening of direct nutrition programmes for children and women are imperative. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.

Consumer Survey on Impact of COVID-19 on Future Holiday Travel Behaviour

The increasing cases of Covid-19 (Corona virus) resulted towards lockdown not only in India but all over the world. The movement of traffic internationally was closed. The nationwide lockdown which was imposed by Government of India brought a lot of changes in the lifestyle of people. Earlier, many studies have reported about the financial impact of COVID-19 on tourism industry & the correlation between COVID-19 and trends in tourism industry. The idea is to relate those variables with onslaught of Covid-19 and to understand, more long-term impact that COVID-19 will have on travellers' perception towards tourism. An online survey was conducted to collect primary data in which a questionnaire was circulated to travellers all over India. The results of this study can be used by the companies and government institutions to develop marketing strategies to increase travellers' consumption experience.

Therapeutic options in coronavirus treatment

This chapter details the various therapeutic options available for the treatment of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that has brought the world to a standstill. As at 3.53 CEST, June 28, 2020, WHO reported 9,843,073 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with a death toll of 495,760. The rate of the spread of this disease is alarming posing serious threat to the world healthcare system. Clinical investigations and research are on the way for the development of vaccines or antiviral drugs. Despite this effort, no medication has been found to be very effective for its treatment. In this chapter, emphasis was laid on the need for repurposing of antiviral drugs to combat COVID-19 along with other alternatives such as convalescent plasma therapy and exploitation of drugs from medicinal plants and other natural resources. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Coronavirus Disease-19 associated arthritis-An observational study

Background: The coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic is the major global health crisis of the present time. Various rheumatological manifestations have been reported during or after COVID-19 infection, but data are scarce. In this observational study, we have tried to analyze the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated arthralgia/arthritis. Methods: We have collected the clinical data of 14 patients over the past 6 months who have developed arthralgia or arthritis during or after symptomatic COVID-19 infection, proven by a positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test from nasopharyngeal swab. Results: The most common symptoms during COVID-19 infection in the 14 patients were fever and myalgia, being present in 92.8% and 64.3% patients, respectively. Arthralgia/arthritis occurred at a mean interval of 20 days (range: 0-60 days). Knee was the most commonly involved joint (78.6%), followed by the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints (each in 57.1%). Enthesitis was documented in 21.4% patients. The mean duration of COVID-19 associated arthralgia or arthritis was 53.9 days (range: 7-210 days). In 85.7% patients, joint pains improved within 2 months;in only a small proportion of patients (14.3%), joint pains persisted after 6 months. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (given in 64.3% patients) and corticosteroids (in 50%) were the most commonly prescribed and effective treatment options. Conclusion: COVID-19 infections mostly caused reactive arthritis, though acute and chronic arthritis is also seen. In the majority of cases, arthritis started about 3 weeks after COVID-19 infection and subsided within 2 months. NSAIDs and corticosteroids are the most effective treatment options.

Effect of N-95 Mask on Oxygen Saturation Level in Health Care Workers and Their Experience While Using N-95 Mask

Background N-95 masks are in high demand during this COVID-19 pandemic but wearing an N-95 mask is a real challenge to the health workers during their duty hours. The present study aims to measure the effect of the N-95 mask on oxygen saturation level in the blood and the discomforts experienced while using it. Materials and Methods Oxygen saturation was measured in 80 health care workers before and after wearing the N-95 mask continuously for more than 6 hours. The participants were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding various discomforts of N-95 mask usage, which consisted of 14 questions. Results The most common discomfort was pain around the pinna followed by difficulty in breathing and fogging of spectacles or goggles. In addition, 71% of them had decreased oxygen saturation by 1%. Conclusion N-95 mask can alter the oxygen saturation but it does not produce significant effects in healthy individuals. It can significantly affect patients with compromised airways.

Using a Simulation Pilot to improve trainee exposure to Emergencies in Paediatric Anaesthesia while training opportunities are limited by SARS-CoV-2

Since March 2020, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, paediatric surgical case numbers have reduced across the UK, including at our institution, Nottingham Children's Hospital. This has led to a reduction in trainee exposure to paediatric anaesthesia, and made it increasingly difficult to demonstrate they are 'competent at managing complications that arise in paediatric anaesthesia without immediate consultant support' as stipulated by the Higher Training Curriculum of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, UK (RCoA 2010). Informal discussions between trainees, consultant anaesthetists and educators lead to the suggestion of conducting a high fidelity simulation course to facilitate the acquisition of required competencies. Using a format similar to the well-known Managing Emergencies in Paediatric Anaesthesia (MEPA) course, we planned and ran a simulation day for a group of Higher-level anaesthetic trainees, covering a selection of paediatric emergencies outlined in the curriculum. Each trainee was given the opportunity to lead and assist in a scenario. Fidelity was enhanced by the use of the Trent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre, a selection of relevant manikins, an operating department practitioner (ODP) with significant simulation experience, and experienced faculty including senior paediatric and general anaesthetists with experience of facilitating simulation. Candidates were invited to provide pre and post-course feedback. Scores were generally favourable, as one would expect towards the end of training. The most pronounced improvement in confidence score fell within in the communication skills, team leading and emergency management domains. All trainees reported feeling very engaged, involved, and able to contribute;the course was relevant and appropriate, and they would strongly recommend it to their colleagues. Several trainees have taken the opportunity to use scenarios to complete assessments linked to the curriculum for CCT. Our plan is now to run this course twice a year, to provide this opportunity to trainees across the East Midlands.

Epidemiological determinants of acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 disease pandemic and the role of the Bacille-Calmette-Guerin vaccine in reducing morbidity and mortality. (Special Issue: Coronaviruses and COVID-19- Past, Present, and Future.)

This study analyzed the determinants of morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rate (CFR) of the ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). Data for 210 countries and territories available in public domains were analyzed in relation to mandatory vaccination with Bacille-Calmette-Guerin (BCG), population density, median age of the country population, health care expenditure per capita, life expectancy at birth, healthy life expectancy, literacy rate, per capita gross domestic production adjusted to purchasing power (PPP), burden of tuberculosis (TB), acquired immunodeficiency disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HI V-AIDS), malaria, cardiovascular disease (CVD), neoplasm, diabetes, deaths due to energy-protein (food) deficiency (EPD), and per capita government spending on safe water and sanitation. Mandatory BCG vaccination showed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) negative correlation with COVID-19 morbidity (r = -0.62) and mortality (r = -0.58) rates, but no significant correlation with CFR. The median age of the nation showed a significant (p < 0.0001) positive correlation with COVID-19 morbidity (r= 0.40) and mortality (r = 0.34) rates, but no significant correlation with CFR. The pandemic resulted in higher morbidity (r= 0.47, p < 0.0001) and mortality (r= 0.25, p = 0.01) rates in countries with a higher PPP than in those with a lower PPP. COVID-19 CFR and morbidity and mortality rates showed no significant correlation with population density, the burden of malaria or diabetes, or the level of spending on safe water and sanitation. Only the burden of TB showed a positive correlation with CFR (r = 0.17, p = 0.05). However, COVID-19 morbidity showed a significant (p 0.05) negative correlation with the burden of TB, HI V-AIDS, CVD, and EPD. Mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients showed a positive correlation with per capita health expenditure, life expectancy, the burden of neoplasia, and PPP.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): zoonotic origin and susceptibility of domestic and wild animals. (Special Issue: Coronaviruses and COVID-19- Past, Present, and Future.)

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are responsible for causing economically significant diseases both in animals and humans. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19), outbreak has become the first pandemic of the 21st century and is the deadliest pandemic after the 1918 Spanish Flu. Except, the two previous epidemics, SARS-CoV (2002 epidemic, China) and MERS-CoV (2012 epidemic, Middle Eastern region), CoVs are known the world over as the mild pathogens of humans and animals. Despite several measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, it has affected more than 210 countries and regional territories distressing more than 5.3 million people and claiming nearly 0.34 million lives globally. Several findings point towards the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the humans through animals, especially the wild animals of the Chinese live seafood wet market. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another example of diseases originating from the human-animal interface and spreading through international borders causing global health emergencies. Most of the countries around the globe are stumbling due to the COVID-19 pandemic with severe threats and panic among the mass population. World Health Organization (WHO), international and national health authorities are working with excessive efforts for effective and impactful interventions to contain the virus. It is significant to comprehend the inclination of these viruses to jump between different species, and the establishment of infection in the entirely new host, identification of significant reservoirs of coronaviruses. Several animal species such as cats, dogs, tiger, and minks have been confirmed to get SARS-CoV-2 infections from COVID-19 infected person. Laboratory investigations point out those cats are the most susceptible species for SARS-CoV-2, and it can evidence with clinical disease. The studies carried out on animal's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 further support the human-to-animal spread of the virus. In this review, we focus on addressing COVID-19 infections in domestic and wild animals.

Risk assessment approaches during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly spread all over the world affecting more than 20 million people. Early planning and preparedness are vital in mitigation of the impact of the ongoing pandemic. The lessons from previous public health emergencies of the 21st century such as Influenza A (H1N1), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Ebola elucidate that the risks assessment associated with disease outbreaks remains integral for the successful response curbing health disasters. Every pandemic or public health emergency poses new challenges. Alike, the SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 will continue to challenge public health systems and their ability to effectively communicate with the public. Till date, no vaccines and specific antiviral drugs are available moreover there is little evidence on the effectiveness of potential therapeutic agents. Many countries have practiced 'stay-at-home', social distancing, avoided mass gathering, closure of education in institutions, strict public health measures like compulsory wearing of masks, entertainment and public spaces. For effective prevention and control of any infectious diseases the risk assessment and communication are of prime importance. Hence, there is an urgent need to commence SARS-CoV-2 risk assessment for assisting decision-making bodies working on SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This paper discusses in brief about the rapid risk assessment and diagnostic approaches for COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and women's labour crisis reiterating an inclusive policy response

The COVID-19 pandemic in India has had an unequal impact on women in a number of ways. In terms of economic opportunity, it has been seen that more women lost jobs compared to men and fewer have been able to rejoin labour force. This is in the context of gendered labour markets where female labour force participation has been low and declining. This paper presents an analysis of the situation of women's employment pre-lockdown and some indications on what the impact of COVID-19 could be, based on microstudies and other literature available. Further, the adequacy of the social protection and employment generation programmes of the government that are specifically aimed at improving female labour force participation is assessed. © 2021 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.

The Supply Chain Disruption Framework Post COVID-19: A System Dynamics Model

The COVID pandemic seems to have raised the question, 'whether existing supply chain (SC) disruption philosophies and strategies continue to remain valid?'. This article assesses the differences in the business scenarios pre-and post-COVID. The authors capture the mathematical and operational relationships amongst the relevant factors and propose a System Dynamics (SD) model to carry out the simulations. The approach considers the impact of the force majeure condition, that is, COVID period on individuals' income, prices and demand of goods, cost of input and supply of finished goods. The results show that earnings may increase demand but, disruption in supplies of raw materials and finished products nullify the effect. On the other hand, even if flow returns to normal, reduced income affects normal goods businesses.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): Zoonotic Origin and Susceptibility of Domestic and Wild Animals

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are responsible for causing economically significant diseases both in animals and humans. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Coronavirus Diseases (COVID-19), outbreak has become the first pandemic of the 21st century and is the deadliest pandemic after the 1918 Spanish Flu. Except, the two previous epidemics, SARS-CoV (2002 epidemic, China) and MERS-CoV (2012 epidemic, Middle Eastern region), CoVs are known the world over as the mild pathogens of humans and animals. Despite several measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, it has affected more than 210 countries and regional territories distressing more than 5.3 million people and claiming nearly 0.34 million lives globally. Several findings point towards the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the humans through animals, especially the wild animals of the Chinese live seafood wet market. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another example of diseases originating from the human-animal interface and spreading through international borders causing global health emergencies. Most of the countries around the globe are stumbling due to the COVID-19 pandemic with severe threats and panic among the mass population. World Health Organization ( WHO), international and national health authorities are working with excessive efforts for effective and impactful interventions to contain the virus. It is significant to comprehend the inclination of these viruses to jump between different species, and the establishment of infection in the entirely new host, identification of significant reservoirs of coronaviruses. Several animal species such as cats, dogs, tiger, and minks have been confirmed to get SARS-CoV-2 infections from COVID-19 infected person. Laboratory investigations point out those cats are the most susceptible species for SARS-CoV-2, and it can evidence with clinical disease. The studies carried out on animal's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 further support the human-to-animal spread of the virus. In this review, we focus on addressing COVID-19 infections in domestic and wild animals.