C0-VID-IN-US

"A meter of distance can save thousands of lives"

Lets Break the Virus Chain-not our Hope Chain

PERSONAL
EXPERIENCES 12 R
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CO-VOYAGE VOLUME 1
A MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2021
CORONAVIRUS
PREVENT
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Editor's Note 01

First Case of Covid filed 02

First Wave Impact 03

Second Wave Impact 09

Difference between First and

Second Activieness 11

Is Covid a man-made virus? 14

IMPACTS on

Indian Economy 15

Employment 17

Small Business 18

Poor People and their earnings 20

Education 21

Mental Health 23

Food Supply Chain 24

Health care Professionals 26

Police 27

Tourism 29

Technology Sector 31

Research Enterprise 33

Psychological and Social Impact 34

Decrease in population rate 36

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

VACCINES

Covid Vaccine: pfizer 37

Covidshield 38

Covaxin 39

Sputnik 40

Comparison between all vaccines 43

Merck's Covid Pill 45

Growth of Industries during Pandemic 48

COVID 19: The Bright Side 50

Laugh Out Loud 07

Riddles
10

Personal Experience 12

Connexions 35

Laughter Therapy 47
 1
Editor's Notes

CHANCHAL
This magazine gave me an opportunity

to thank all the warriors. Feeling

grateful. Not everyone made it this

far. Better days are on their way!

DHARANI GOPALAKRISHNAN
The magazine's theme was something which all of us could relate to

so much. Unity is Strength! We are still fighting and will continue

till we become completely safe and normal. This magazine helped

me learn about facts which I didn't know. Hope the readers will also

get benefitted. So thankful for such an opportunity!

NIRNAYA SADASIVAM
I got a wonderful experience while working on this magazine and I

am glad that I was a part of the editorial team. The magazine helped

me in gaining knowledge and information about many things which I

was unaware of. I am sure it will enlighten your knowledge also.

KEERTHANA VENKATESWARAN
'Hope is the only thing stronger than fear''

This magazine helped me to realize to thank our country

heros (health care professionals and police)

KALAIVANI CHANDRASEKAR
We are in this pandemic together and we will

get through this together!

Our team worked exceptionally for this

magazine, we are happily looking forward for

your responses from our work. Thank you!

THE BEGINNING OF
COVID
1st case of covid-19 filed
The first case of novel coronavirus can be
traced back to November 17,2019 in China's
Hubei province, which subsequently became
its epicentre as it rapidly spread at home and
abroad before Chinese health officials could
identify the deadly virus, according to a media
report. A 55-year-old from Hubei province was
the first person to have contracted the viral
infection on November 17 last year and cases
rapidly began piling up since then, without
revealing the gender of the individual.
The first official Covid-19 case was reported in
December 2019 in the Wuhan’s Huanan
seafood market. However, reports suggest that
the cases had no connection with Huanan;
meaning, the SARS-CoV-2 was probably
circulating before it reached the Wuhan wet
market. The joint study between China and the
World Health organisation at the end of March
also showed that there was no connection
between the virus and Wuhan market. There
could have been some sporadic human
infections which might have taken place
before the virus broke in Wuhan city, the
report added.
A cluster of pneumonia of unknown origin was
identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
On 12 January 2020, Chinese authorities
shared the sequence of a novel coronavirus
termed severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolated from
some clustered cases. Since then, the disease
caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been named
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As at 21
February 2020, the virus had spread rapidly
mostly within China but also to 28 other
countries, including in the World Health
Organization (WHO) European Region.
2
Scientists are now keen to identify the so-called
"patient zero", which could help them to trace the
source of the coronavirus, which is generally
thought to have jumped to humans from a wild
animal, possibly a bat, it said. Of the first nine
cases to be reported in November -- four men and
five women -- none has been confirmed as being
"patient zero". They were all aged between 39 and
79, but it is not known how many were residents
of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus
outbreak. According to the World Health
Organisation, the first confirmed COVID-19 case in
China was on December 8, but the global body
does not track the disease itself but relies on
nations to provide such information. A report
published in medical journal The Lancet by
Chinese doctors from Jinyintan Hospital in
Wuhan, which treated some of the earliest
patients, put the date of the first known infection
at December 1. Dr Ai Fen, the first known whistle-
blower, told People magazine in an interview,
which was later censored, that tests showed that
a patient at Wuhan Central Hospital was
diagnosed on December 16 as having contracted
an unknown strain of coronavirus.
The new study reveals that the virus that causes
Covid-19 must have started spreading in China in
October 2019; two months before the first Covid-
19 case reported in Wuhan city, China’s
commercial centre. The study reveals that the
virus first emerged from early October to mid-
November in 2019. As per the claims published in
the PLOS Pathogens journal, researchers from
Britain University of Kent used a method of
conservation science to help determine the
estimate. They also estimated that there are high
chances of the virus emerging on November 17,
2019. And that the virus probably had already
spread globally by January 2022.
- KALAIVANI C
 3

THE OUTBREAK OF
1st WAVE
IMPACTS OF 1st WAVE
Many countries have seen a two-wave pattern in India’s first wave, last year, was relatively mild in terms
reported cases of coronavirus disease-19 during the of health impact, but the lockdowns and other
2020 pandemic, with a first wave during spring containment measures imposed led to an economic
followed by the current second wave in late summer crisis. A hundred million workers lost jobs during the
and autumn. Differences in age range and severity of the nationwide lockdown between April–May 2020. The
disease have been reported. Empirical data show that repercussions of the crisis were so severe that even
the characteristics of the effects of the virus do vary when the economy had mostly opened up by the end of
between the two periods. Those characteristics are 2020, the country saw only partial recovery in labor
compared using data from two equal periods of 3 and a markets and household incomes as about 15 million
half months. The first period, between 15th March and workers continued to remain out of work. Seasonally
30th June, corresponding to the entire first wave, and adjusted per-capita incomes in October 2020 were 16
the second, between 1st July and 15th October. 204 percent below their levels in February 2020.
patients were hospitalized during the first period, and
264 during the second period. Patients in the second
wave were younger who were the children, pregnant
women and postpartum women, and the duration of
hospitalization and case fatality rate were lower than
those in the first wave. The most frequent signs and
symptoms in both waves were fever, dyspnea,
pneumonia, and cough, and the most relevant
comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases, type 2
diabetes mellitus, and chronic neurological diseases.
 4

“State of Working India

2021: One Year of COVID-
19,” a May 2021 report by
Azim Premji University,
documents the impact of
the pandemic on jobs,
incomes, inequality, and
poverty with a focus on
the first wave. The report
also examines the
effectiveness of policy
measures that had been
undertaken after the first
wave. It uses data from a
nationally representative
monthly panel household
survey on employment
and earnings conducted
by the Center for
Monitoring Indian
Economy (CMIE) and two
surveys that investigate
the impact of relief
measures implemented
after the first wave.

The impact of the first wave on women’s employment has been far more severe than that on men. During
the 2020 lockdown, and in the months after, 61 percent of working citizens did not lose their jobs, 28
percent lost jobs but were reemployed before end of the year, and 7 percent lost jobs and were unable to
find work again until December 2020 (the last month for which data is currently available). For women,
during the same lockdown, only 19 percent remained employed, whereas 47 percent suffered a permanent
job loss, not returning to work even by the end of 2020.

-KANISHKA K Y
5
6
 7
LAUGH
OUT
LOUD

1). My mom always told me, I

wouldn’t accomplish anything
by lying in bed all day. But look
at me now, ma! I’m saving the
world.

2). Before 2020: Flexing with

Iphone and PS4
After 2020: Flexing with
sanitizer and toilet paper

3). What do you call someone

whose life didn’t change after
quarantine? An introvert.

4). Back in my day, you would

cough to cover up a fart. Now,
with COVID-19, you fart to cover
up a cough.

5). Why don’t chefs find

coronavirus jokes funny?
They’re in bad taste.

- SEJAL KODURI
8
 9

THE UPSURGE OF 2nd WAVE

- NIRALI D & KARTHIKA R

When the coronavirus pandemic began early in
2020, experts wondered if there would be waves
of cases, a pattern seen in other virus pandemics.
The overall pattern so far has been one of
increasing cases of COVID-19, with a surge in the
summer and a larger one in the fall. Some
locations that saw a high number of coronavirus
infections early on, followed by a decline, are
having a “second wave” of increased cases.
Many countries have seen a two-wave pattern in
reported cases of coronavirus disease-19 during
the 2020 pandemic, with a first wave during
spring followed by the current second wave in
late summer and autumn. Empirical data show
that the characteristics of the effects of the virus
Second, in the current wave, the marking of
the containment zone has been less strict. In
cities, the government has asked civil
authorities to adopt micro-containment: with
perhaps just a floor or a house defined as a
containment zone. If there is no effective
monitoring in micro-containment zones,
containing the virus becomes a challenge.
Earlier, an entire apartment or area would be
made a containment zone, reducing the
chances of transmission of the virus. Now,
central teams have red-flagged the fact that
high-risk contacts in workplace, social and
family settings were not investigated and
listed in Maharashtra, resulting in a surge. This
is happening across the country.

do vary between the two periods. Differences in

age range and severity of the disease have been
reported, although the comparative
characteristics of the two waves still remain
largely unknown. Those characteristics are
compared in this study using data from two
equal periods of 3 and a half months. The first
period, between 15th March and 30th June,
corresponds to the entire first wave, and the
second, between 1st July and 15th October,
corresponding to part of the second wave, still
present. Patients in the second wave were
younger and the duration of hospitalization and
case fatality rate were lower than those in the
first wave. In the second wave, there were more
children, and pregnant and postpartum women.
The most frequent signs and symptoms in both
waves were fever, dyspnea, pneumonia, and
cough, and the most relevant comorbidities were
cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
and chronic neurological diseases. Patients from
the second wave more frequently presented
renal and gastrointestinal symptoms, were more
often treated with non-invasive mechanical
ventilation and corticoids, and less often with
invasive mechanical ventilation, conventional
oxygen therapy and anticoagulants. Several
differences in mortality risk factors were also
observed. These results helped to understand the
characteristics of the second wave.
 10

- SEJAL KODURI

1). What question can you never answer yes to?

2). What can you break, even if you never pick it up or

touch it?

3). A man dies of old age on his 25 birthday. How is

this possible?

4). I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest person

can’t hold me for five minutes. What am I?

5). If you’re running in a race and you pass the person

in second place, what place are you in?

Answers: 1). Are you asleep yet? 2). A promise

3). He was born on February 29 4). Your breath
5). Second place
 11
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
FIRST WAVE AND
SECOND WAVE
 12

PERSONAL
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QURANTINE

LOCKDOWN VACCINATION
MEDICATION STAY HOME STAY SAFE
 13

The threat is the Virus,

not the people.

Stay Home, Stay Safe!

- RIMZIM SINGHI
 14

The new coronavirus was too quick to spread from

person to person, town to town and country to

IS country to all corners of the world. Anyone can

catch it, spread it and get sick. When a person is

COVID
infected with coronavirus, they sneeze tiny
droplets with millions of harmful viruses spread
into the air and land. Without realizing it, the

A
viruses enter our body through the air we breathe
or we pick them up on our hands then touch our
eyes, nose, or mouth. Since most people don't get

MAN-MADE very sick with coronavirus, we can have this virus

and not know it and easily pass it to others. Within

VIRUS?
a few weeks, the whole neighborhood can get
infected. Most people who get sick get better on
their own but some, especially the elderly and
people who already have illnesses can get very sick
and even die due to coronavirus.
- MRIDULA J
But where did this virus come out of the blue?
The Chinese didn't have the strategy to do it on
purpose and release it because if that had been the
case they would have protected themselves a little
bit better. There are rumors that it was some kind
of an experiment they are doing and something has
escaped and gone out of hand. It might be a
technology being developed that had not been
finalized yet and accidentally leaked out. The fact is
that it is unlikely that without no human
involvement this thing magically appeared in some
fish market and from there it went all the way
.There should be a human element whether it is an
intentional or unconscious accident. Whether it
was part of a big government plan or just some
research going on to investigate.
 15
IMPACT OF COVID-19
ON INDIAN
ECONOMY
- VISHALI K R

As per the official data released by the ministry of statistics and program implementation, the
Indian economy contracted by 7.3% in the April-June quarter of this fiscal year. This is the worst
decline ever observed since the ministry had started compiling GDP stats quarterly in 1996. In
2020, an estimated 10 million migrant workers returned to their native places after the
imposition of the lockdown. But what was surprising was the fact that neither the state
government nor the central government had any data regarding the migrant workers who lost
their jobs and their lives during the lockdown.
The second wave of Covid-19 has brutally exposed and worsened existing vulnerabilities in the
Indian economy. India’s $2.9 trillion economy remains shuttered during the lockdown period,
except for some essential services and activities.
The informal sectors of the economy have been worst hit by the global epidemic. India’s GDP
contraction during April-June could well be above 8% if the informal sectors are considered.
Private consumption and investments are the two biggest engines of India’s economic growth.
All the major sectors of the economy were badly hit except agriculture.

The Indian economy was facing headwinds much before the arrival of the second wave.
Coupled with the humanitarian crisis and silent treatment of the government, the covid-19 has
exposed and worsened existing inequalities in the Indian economy. The economy is having a
knock-on effect with MSMEs shutting their businesses. Millions of jobs have been lost
permanently and have dampened consumption.
The GDP growth had crashed 23.9% in response to the center’s no notice lockdown. India’s GDP
shrank 7.3% in 2020-21. This was the worst performance of the Indian economy in any year since
independence. As of now, India’s GDP growth rate is likely to be below 10 per cent.
 17

COVID – 19 IMPACTS ON EMPLOYMENT

The sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic is dealing a severe blow to state

economies, businesses and workers. First and foremost, states are strengthening their health care

capacity in the event that demand for medical services surge. Ensuring there are enough licensed

health care professionals is a key component in this preparation.

States are also restricting access to in-dining restaurants, theaters, concert halls, some retail

stores and other non-essential businesses where large groups of people risk coming into close

contact with one another. Additionally, public health officials and experts have warned

Americans to stay home as much as possible and avoid doing anything that requires close contact

with others. Many other businesses have voluntarily closed to protect their employees and the

public as a whole. Perhaps the most visible closure has been the nearly universal shutdown of the

professional sports industry. Those exposed to the virus are being advised to self-quarantine for

at least 14 days presenting financial challenges for workers without paid sick leave.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the worst jobs crises since the Great

Depression. There is a real danger that the crisis will increase poverty and widen inequalities,

with the impact felt for years to come. Countries now need to do everything they can to stop this

jobs crisis from turning into a social crisis. Reconstructing a better and more resilient labour

market is an essential investment in the future and in future generations.

In January 2021, India saw an unemployment rate of over six percent. This was a significant

improvement from the previous month. A damaging impact on an economy as large as India’s

caused due a total lockdown was imminent. Unemployment went up to nearly 24 percent in April

2020. This was possibly a result of a decrease in demand as well as the disruption of workforce

faced by companies. Furthermore, this caused a GVA loss of more than nine percent for the

Indian economy that month.

The Azim Premji University revealed in its study that the 1st wave of COVID 19 pandemic

has pushed 23 crore people below the poverty line (below the national minimum wage threshold

of Rs. 375.00 per day as recommended by the Anoop Satpathy committee). The report said that

there has been a rise of 15% in poverty in rural India and a rise of 20% in urban India during the

last one pandemic year.

- DHANALAKSHMI M
 18
IMPACT ON
SMALL
BUSINESS
As the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic
comes into sharper focus, the position of the
nation’s small businesses appears, overall, to be
particularly bleak. By mid-April, according to a
report from the Facebook & Small Business
Roundtable, about a third had temporarily
stopped operating, and by mid-May more than
half had laid off employees. Our analysis of
several surveys of small businesses suggests
that before accounting for intervention, 1.4
million to 2.1 million of them (25 to 36 percent)
could close permanently as a result of the
disruption from just the first four months of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Some small businesses may close because
they’re in industries, such as accommodations,
food service, and educational services, that are
affected by changed customer behavior,
especially the physical distancing and
mandated operational restrictions that began
during the pandemic. Other small businesses
may close because they were already at risk
financially before the crisis. Indeed, recent
research by the Federal Reserve4 finds that only
35 percent of small businesses were healthy at
the end of 2019 and that less healthy ones were
three times more likely than the others to close
or sell in response to a revenue shock. The most
vulnerable small businesses face both financial
and COVID-related challenges. The sectors most
affected by the coronavirus and the least
financially resilient include 1.7 million small
businesses, employ 20 million workers, and earn
12 percent of US business revenue. A long-
lasting COVID-19 crisis could continue to affect
these sectors disproportionately and make
more of their firms vulnerable to permanent
closure.

- RESHMA S
 19

In addition, minorities own a quarter of small businesses in the most affected sectors, compared with
around 15 percent in the less affected ones. We considered only the effects of sector mix, but other
research has found that minority-owned businesses are also particularly at risk because they tend to
have lower resilience. Business owners with only a high-school degree or less are disproportionately at
risk as well, since their businesses tend to be in less resilient sectors, particularly in construction and in
services (such as repairs, maintenance, and laundry services) in which a third or more of the business
owners had, at most, a high-school diploma
Governments could consider the following moves to support small businesses in the relief phase and
the longer term:
Providing sector-specific support, such as helping to supply personal protective equipment in bulk
to customer-facing industries, as small businesses reopen
Establishing local portals like those in Houston and Oakland to help customers support small
businesses that are operating; some cities, such as Boston and Honolulu, have also created portals of
programs to cover the expenses of implementing physical distancing
Working with private financial institutions to improve access to credit or developing additional
emergency grants, loans, and incentives to help businesses with lower financial resilience
Promoting structural reforms that encourage financial institutions to provide longer-term access to
capital and create incentives for small businesses to upgrade their facilities and digitize; such
reforms could also support the business owners’ capabilities (including business planning, market
identification, and technical assistance) and investments in worker training

COVID-19 hitting India’s
poor the hardest
IMPACT ON POOR PEOPLE AND THEIR EARNINGS
As a second wave wreaks havoc throughout
the country, the public healthcare system is
on the brink of collapse and thousands of
afflicted citizens have been abandoned by
the state. Those belonging to low-income
categories are disproportionately impacted
by an overwhelmed healthcare
infrastructure.
About 60 per cent of India’s population live
below the poverty line and one third live in
slums, without access to basic services like
running water, indoor toilets and electricity.
On average, life in the slums means living in a
9-square-metre shanty shared by 8–10 people
and the use of community toilets, often
located next to open sewers. COVID-19
guidelines recommend social distancing and
sanitation maintenance, but this remains
unachievable for a large part of India’s
population. The rapid rise of cases in the
country has highlighted the need to fix
infrastructure problems from the ground up.
The average monthly income of an
agricultural household in India was
estimated at Rs 6426 (US$87), based off the
latest data from 2013, meaning a household
would have to pay 50 per cent of its monthly
income to vaccinate all household members.
This means that India’s vaccination project
excludes most of the country’s population,
with only the upper-middle class and elite
being able to afford it.
India’s poor have not just been excluded
from the vaccination project. The average
cost of COVID-19 treatment is Rs 100,000 to
Rs 200,000 for 10 days, even in public
hospitals, while the average monthly wage is
Rs 32,800. This means roughly 80 per cent of
the population cannot afford treatment.
20
An acute shortage of medical equipment and
oxygen cylinders in the country exacerbates
the issue. A thriving black market has sprung
up for oxygen, plasma and anti-viral drugs like
Remdesivir. Oxygen cylinders — which in pre-
pandemic times cost anywhere between Rs
10,000 to Rs 14,000 — are being sold on the
black market for as much Rs 90,000.
The healthcare system is stretched thin with
the heavy onset of cases and the poor are left
with no means to fend for themselves. But
some countries have come to India’s aid.
Pakistan based not-for-profit Edhi Foundation
wrote to Modi offering to send a fleet of 50
ambulances, while Thailand and Singapore
have sent cryogenic oxygen tanks to alleviate
the oxygen crisis.
As thousands die outside hospitals gasping for
oxygen and medication, India finds itself in a
largely self-generated crisis. The poor do not
have the luxury to abide by government
guidelines to ‘stay home to stay safe’. The Modi
government needs to establish a nationally
coordinated plan that caters for all, including
the most vulnerable and marginalised, if India
is to have any chance of beating this wave of
COVID-19.
 IMPACT ON EDUCATION 21
- SREELAKSHMI

The deadly pandemic that caused an outbreak in

2019-year end in China has still had its effects on. The
most affected population is the student population
worldwide. The entire future is dependent on these
evolving generations. So, the worst impact is the
impact on education.
Schools were closed worldwide at the starting of the
pandemic that extended for more than a year. The
students were made to use technology to pursue
education. Almost all the educational institutions
worldwide opted for online teaching. The goal was to
create a traditional educational environment using
digital technology. To get students’ attention, teachers
started creating modules, frameworks and
explanations on whiteboards, similar to how a
classroom is set up. But this too was not as effective as
we had thought. Online education through platforms
like Gmeet, Zoom, Zoho Showtime, websites and
YouTube, etc. also had their own consequences.

This very much had an impact. 5. Grade Deflation: Consequently, many students
1. Health problems: due to classes becoming online, not only received much lower grades than what
the students suffered various problems like eye they were predicted to by their teachers but also
irritation, headaches, changes in hormonal systems, missed the entrance requirements to every
obesity, etc. university they applied to.
2. Unequal access to technology and resources:
Unfortunately, not all students have access to the 6. Postponement of the Assessment periods: The
technological equipment like mobiles and laptops/ closure led to delay and postponement of various
computers to attend the classes and the needed exams and results.
educational resources like books and notes. This
7. Job Effect: The Graduates have experienced
results in students not able to attend classes,
major teaching interruptions in the final part of
concentrate and study for the exams leaving a gap
their studies, they are experiencing major
in their education process.
interruptions in their assessments, and finally they
3. Network issues: The cellular data or Wi-Fi was also
are likely to graduate at the beginning of a major
not effective or enough. Data packs became costlier
global recession. Evidence suggests that poor
and the students faced network issues in the
market conditions at labour market entry cause
middle of the classes leading to abruption in their
workers to accept lower paid jobs, and that this
learning.
has permanent effects for the careers of some.
4. Impact on formal education: As a result of the
pandemic, the closure of schools physically led to
8. Lack of Interest: Since all the platforms had the
students not getting enough field or in-campus
option of switching off the cameras and
exposure. Admissions for primary school and 1st
microphones, students shut themselves off during
year of UG courses were standstill till November
the classes. The classes weren’t that interesting as
2020 as the exams for the high school weren't
expected. So, due to lack of interest, they stopped
conducted. As a result, the whole process got
paying attention to classes and even stopped
delayed.
responding at a point of time.

Increased Malpractices: With technological loops

and other benefits, a lethargic attitude inculcated
in the students makes them use unethical
practices while doing the assignments or taking up
exams. This impacts not only on their ethical
values, character and behaviour, but also their
capacity to retain things or understand things.
 23
IMPACT OF PANDEMIC ON MENTAL
HEALTH
As we are aware that mental health is a less
spoken topic. After the hit of covid 19 on the
world, people have struggled more. Pandemic
may have brought economic activities to halt but
worrying has not been stopped. Even during the
pandemic we concentrated more on how to
increase our immunity rather than trying to cope
with the stress of going back to normalcy,
vaccines, economy, we weren’t mindful about our
mental health. The data given below shows how it
affected us.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about
mental health and substance use have grown,
including concerns about suicidal ideation. In
January 2021, 41% of adults reported symptoms of
anxiety and/or depressive disorder (Figure 2), a
share that has been largely stable since spring
2020. In a survey from June 2020, 13% of adults
reported new or increased substance use due to
coronavirus-related stress, and 11% of adults
reported thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days.
Suicide rates have long been on the rise and may
worsen due to the pandemic.

As was the case prior to the pandemic, adults in
poor general health (which may reflect both
physical and mental health) continue to report
higher rates of anxiety and/or depression than
affected mental health, particularly with widespread
adults in good general health. For people with
chronic illness in particular, the already high
likelihood of having a concurrent mental health
disorder may be exacerbated by their
vulnerability to severe illness from COVID-19.
Recently, a study also found that 18% of
individuals (including people with and without
a past psychiatric diagnosis) who received a
COVID-19 diagnosis were later diagnosed with a
mental health disorder, such as anxiety or
mood disorders. Older adults are also more
vulnerable to severe illness from coronavirus
and have experienced increased levels of
anxiety and depression during the pandemic.
Mental distress during the pandemic is
occurring against a backdrop of high rates of
Prior to the pandemic, one in ten adults reported
symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.
There are a variety of ways the pandemic has likely
social isolation resulting from necessary safety
measures. A broad body of research links social
isolation and loneliness to both poor mental and
physical health. The widespread experience of
loneliness became a public health concern even
before the pandemic, given its association with
reduced lifespan and greater risk of both mental and
physical illnesses.
Conclusion: This pandemic has taught us lessons and
made us be more vocal about the issues. Government
should allocate funds for mental health. We as
humans should be polite with everybody, because we
don’t know who is suffering.

mental illness and substance use that existed

prior to the current crisis. Note:

Whenever you're suffering, please don’t feel ashamed
for asking or seeking help.
Take professional advice before self-treating.
SIDHI -


IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON FOOD
AND SUPPLY CHAIN IN INDIA
In one survey of 11,159 workers conducted
during the lockdown, an estimated 96% said
they were not receiving rations from the
government due to eligibility
implementation problems, 72% said that their
rations would run out in two days, and 90%
were not receiving wages (SWAN 2020).
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Indian government imposed a stringent
national lockdown from March 24-May 31 that
caused severe disruptions across agrifood
supply chains from “farm to fork”
(Ramakumar, 2020; Rawal et al., 2020). The
government was consistently one step behind
in terms of preventing these problems
(Narayanan and Saha, forthcoming1).
The lack of labor and machinery disrupted
harvests and brought warehouse operations to
a virtual standstill. Regulated markets where
farmers sell produce were intermittently
closed and village traders and merchants did
not show up to make purchases. Our survey of
around 370 farmers across nine Indian states
found that among those who had harvested
some produce this season, 29% were still
24
holding on to it; 13% had sold the harvests at
throwaway prices and about 7% reported that they
had to let the produce go to waste.
or
Lockdown-related problems also made it
extremely difficult for many retailers to secure
fresh and processed foods and to conduct business
(Narayanan and Saha, 2020).
Food markets in India, both in urban and rural
areas, constitute a mosaic of diverse actors and
tend to be highly fragmented. How did this
complex system cope in the wake of lockdown?
Despite the early confusion, anxiety, and
disruptions, there is now widespread consensus in
India that the agrifood system has been
surprisingly resilient. Nevertheless, the lockdown’s
impacts continue, and their dynamics deserve
attention from policy makers and organizations
working on ways to protect food security. This post
outlines five key features of the lockdown’s
consequences for the Indian agrifood system,
noting that these are broad patterns that mask
large variations.
- RAJAMMAL A
 26
Challenges Faced by
Healthcare Professionals
During the COVID-19
Pandemic
The Health Care Workers (HCW) is at the forefront
in the battle of COVID-19 pandemic, they are
facing several challenges in delivering their
duties.
The plights of HCW in India (and perhaps across the world) can be described in five main
subheadings:
A) Shortages of Personal Protective Equipments
Most health care facilities in India are facing shortages of personal protective equipments (PPE),
including face masks, gowns, and respirators. Either the hospitals do not have these available in
adequate numbers or they cannot afford to purchase the PPEs. In these extraordinary times, the
health care providers must adapt and be flexible so that HCWs continue to safeguard themselves,
their colleagues, their families, and their patients in this crisis. As the virus spreads, it is of increasing
importance that HCW and other members of our communities protect themselves. The concept of
viral load demands it. It is nearly impossible to tell who has been infected with COVID-19 until he or
she is displaying symptoms.
B) Long working hours
It is becoming apparent from the reports from across the world that the long duty hours of the HCW
is a major risk factor for them to acquire infection and hence it is mandatory they work in shorter
shifts, based on a strict rota.
C) Violence against HCW
It is highly disturbing and demoralizing to see the HCW on duty are facing violence against them from
some irresponsible public, within the hospitals and in the community surveillance work. It damages
and dampen the work of HCW and may ultimately affect the health care of the public.
D) Increased risk of infection
The reports are coming in from across the world that several HCW are getting infected or dying due to
COVID-19. In Spain, HCW have accounted for at least 14% of total COVID-19 cases. The hospitals and
isolation centres are getting overloaded, essential medical equipments are scarce and the doctors
and nursing staff are stretched thin. The high viral load in hospital settings may make healthcare
workers particularly susceptible to the disease (1). The implications of infection in HCW are serious
and many folds:
i) They can spread the infection to the colleagues, family members, friends and patients.
ii) India already has a grave shortage of HCW. Increase numbers in cases seem inevitable. This will
require all the available human resources, but if doctors and nurses get infected on a large scale, the
opposite will happen. They will need to be quarantined and treated, depleting resources.
iii) There would be a direct blow to the morale of the medical fraternity. There are already reports of
doctors and nurses contemplating mass resignations, which authorities are in no position to accept.
While this may seem irresponsible, it is important to recognize that they are individuals, with
anxieties and fears, families, and want to survive. India cannot afford its HCW to be low on motivation
at a time when it needs them at their best. (2)
E) Social and Family impacts
Indeed the Medicine is a humanitarian profession, and the HCW have a duty to care for the sick. By
willingly entering into this profession, they have implicitly agreed to accept the risks involved in it.
However, they need to balance their obligations as professionals with their duties to their family
members too. The risk to personal health from the coronavirus is alarming enough, but the risk of
infecting their families because of exposure on the job is unjustified and not acceptable. The HCW
have also been facing a sort of ‘ostracisation’ by society. Several HCW have been asked to vacate their
rented accommodation on the presumption that they may carry and spread this disease from their
place of work (hospitals) to society.

 27
CHALLENGES FACED BY POLICE
DURING PANDEMIC

COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON POLICE SERVICES

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are increasingly hearing that our protectors are also vulnerable and need
protection. Police are exposed to a unique set of challenges in their day-to-day duties that can increase the
risk of health concerns from occupational stressors, including operational and organizational stressors.

INCREASED RISKS AND UNKNOWN THREATS

Police officers are the first responders to deal with the public during high-risk situations. There is always a
threat of violence towards them. However, COVID-19 has presented a new threat to them as they, like any
other citizen, are at risk of being exposed to this virus. COVID-19 now presents an extra element of risk to
these responders, and they all recognize a need to be more diligent.

RISK TO FAMILIES
The fact that police officers’ daily interactions with the public can put them at risk of exposure to COVID-19,
and in turn, may further expose their loved ones to the virus, also adds stress.

SOCIAL ISOLATION
It is every citizen’s duty to respect the rule of social isolation or distancing procedures during the COVID-19
pandemic. The difference is that police are often not able to work within those parameters. Even though
police officers are doing much more to protect themselves, there are many instances where regardless of
their protective equipment use or other measures, they will be exposed to the virus. When one officer is
exposed to the virus, the impact can be significant, as the rest of the team members may need to be tested,
and even taken off work to ensure the virus is not further spread. .

MENTAL HEALTH AND OPERATIONAL STRESS INJURIES (OSI)

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented additional occupational stressors to police, for instance due to
threats and assaults from the public, as well as exposure to the virus, increasing the risk of operational
stress injuries (OSI). Police work does increase the risk of psychological work-related injuries.
 28

PROACTIVE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIES FOR OFFICERS:

■ Normalize all your emotions and thoughts.
■ Practice grounding. Distinguish current from potential worries, and
focus on what you can control.
■ Reframe negative thoughts and worries by putting them into
perspective, balancing your thoughts in addition to identifying your
strengths, resources, and support to help problem-solve, make healthy
decisions and move forward.
■ Practice psychological flexibility. Re-evaluate and revise your
thoughts, expectations, and goals to ensure they match the current
reality.
■ Health is health, whether mental or physical. Work towards a
lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, physical activity, proper sleep
habits, seeking quality social support and setting meaningful
activities.
■ Identify positives every day and practice gratitude. Build
compassion satisfaction by focusing on the positives of your work.
■ Practice self-compassion by being kind to yourself, not judging
yourself, being mindful of your thoughts and feelings
■ Avoid substance misuse.
■ Focus on your breathing and slow down your breathing rate.
■ Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you are experiencing
increasing psychological distress

POOJA B -
 29
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON
TOURISM - HARRINI R

The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) has triggered a concern
worldwide in early January 2020, and by the end of March
2020, the outbreak has infected several people globally
(WHO, 2020). The severity of the pandemic may be
assessed based on the figures of the past epidemics such
as SARS, Spanish Flu, etc. Tourism and hospitality
businesses are profoundly affected by COVID-19 that has
been declared as pandemic on 12th March 2020 (WHO,
2020). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and
tourism industry's employment loss is predicted to be
100.08 million worldwide. The pandemic has not only
affected economically but as well as politically and
socially. As the number of infected cases rises throughout
the nation, and with the implementation of certain
measures, pressure is created for halting the tourism
industry/business. This change in the current system has
led to the beginning of the recession and depression,
seeking a transformational change in society.
Tourism is a major source of revenue and employment in
many countries. Due to COVID-19, tourism is such a highly
affected sector and may remain affected in the long term,
i.e. approximately more than 1.5 years. Hence, in this
scenario, it is necessary to measure the losses due to the
pandemic so that policies can be redesigned to manage
tourism activities. There is a fall in foreign tourists’ arrival
rate by 68% from February to March 2020 and hence fall
in foreign exchange earnings (FEE) by 66.32%, which has a
significant impact on the economy. Therefore, accurate
forecasting of the number of foreign tourists and FEE is
crucial in managing tourism activity. Researchers studied
different forecasting models to predict the tourism
demand, i.e. both inbound and outbound tourists;
however, predicting foreign tourists’ arrival in India and
its impact on the revenue in terms of FEE are scarce.
Further, no analysis has been done to measure the impact
of a pandemic like COVID-19 on tourism and its leading
effect on FEE.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPECTED TO DECLINE

OVER 70% IN 2020, BACK TO LEVELS OF 30 YEARS
AGO
The world is facing an unprecedented global health, social and economic emergency as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic.

Travel and tourism is among the most affected sectors with a massive fall of international demand amid global
travel restrictions including many borders fully closed, to contain the virus.
According to the latest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, International tourist arrivals (overnight
visitors) fell by 72% in January-October 2020 over the same period last year, curbed by slow virus containment,
low traveller confidence and important restrictions on travel still in place, due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The decline in the first ten months of the year represents 900 million fewer international tourist arrivals
compared to the same period in 2019, and translates into a loss of US$ 935 billion in export revenues from
international tourism, more than 10 times the loss in 2009 under the impact of the global economic crisis.
Asia and the Pacific saw an 82% decrease in arrivals in January-October 2020. The Middle East recorded a 73%
decline, while Africa saw a 69% drop in this ten-month period. International arrivals in both Europe and the
Americas declined by 68%.
Data on international tourism expenditure continues to reflect very weak demand for outbound travel. However,
some large markets such as the United States, Germany and France have shown some shy signs of recovery in the
recent months.
While demand for international travel remains subdued, domestic tourism continues to grow in several large
markets such as China and Russia, where domestic air travel demand has mostly returned to pre-COVID levels.
Based on current trends, UNWTO expects international arrivals to decline by 70% to 75% for the whole of 2020.
This would mean that international tourism could have returned to levels of 30 years ago.
The estimated decline in international tourism in 2020 is equivalent to a loss of about 1 billion arrivals and US$ 1.1
trillion in international tourism receipts. This plunge in international tourism could result in an estimated
economic loss of over US$ 2 trillion in global GDP, more than 2% of the world’s GDP in 2019.
Looking ahead, the announcement and the roll-out of a vaccine are expected to gradually increase consumer
confidence and contribute to ease travel restrictions.
UNWTO’s extended scenarios for 2021-2024 point to a rebound in international tourism by the second half of 2021.
Nonetheless, a return to 2019 levels in terms of international arrivals could take 2½ to 4 years.
 31

TECHNOLOGY
NOW

on
a ct
m p or
9 i e ct
D 1 y S
VI o g
CO no l
ch
Te
 32
The effects of COVID-19 are having a significant impact on the technology sector,
affecting raw materials supply, disrupting the electronics value chain, and causing an
inflationary risk on products. More positively, the disruption has caused an acceleration
of remote working, and a rapid focus on evaluating and de-risking the end-to-end value
chain. In addition, potential carbon emission reductions could result in renewed focus on
sustainability practices.

This article considers the shifting landscape across a number of areas, including:
1.Hardware/software
2.IT services
3.Semiconductors
4.Network equipment
5.Workforce
6.Operations and supply chain
7.Financial reporting
8.Tax and trade
9.Strategy
10.Other considerations
11.Customers

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is causing widespread concern and economic

hardship for consumers, businesses and communities across the globe.
Most companies already have business continuity plans, but those may not fully address
the fast-moving and unknown variables of an outbreak like COVID-19. Typical
contingency plans are intended to ensure operational effectiveness following events like
natural disasters, cyber incidents and power outages, among others. They don’t generally
take into account the widespread quarantines, extended school closures and added
travel restrictions that may occur in the case of a global health emergency.

Digital adoption has taken a quantum leap at both the organizational and industry levels.
During the pandemic, consumers have moved dramatically toward online channels, and
companies and industries have responded in turn. The survey results confirm the rapid
shift toward interacting with customers through digital channels. They also show that
rates of adoption are years ahead of where they were when previous surveys were
conducted—and even more in developed Asia than in other regions.
- MYTHREYE M
 33

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have had a major impact on the US academic research
enterprise. This article provides a landscape review of what is known about these impacts, from March through
mid-October 2020, with an aim of identifying gaps that should be addressed. Our focus is on externally funded
research, and therefore we emphasize STEM fields almost exclusively. As a result, this also focus on the largest
research universities, which conduct an outsized share of this research and which are themselves quite reliant
on the intellectual activity and revenues associated with it.
The federal government provided substantial flexibility to
The Impacts universities in utilizing research funding at the beginning of
the pandemic. In addition, there is little reason to anticipate
substantial budget reductions among most major research

of COVID-19 funders. As a result of these factors, while universities face

substantial declines to some revenue sources and risks to
most others, externally funded scientific research is likely to

on the
be relatively stable. That said, the ways in which the
academic research enterprise is interwoven with, and in
some cases cross-subsidized by, instructional activities pose
some risk to research support. There are substantial

Research unanswered questions about how negative impacts to the

business models of research universities will affect
scientific research. Many traditional research activities were

Enterprise
largely suspended in the spring into summer, other than
COVID-19-related and other essential research. With federal
flexibilities ending, universities scrambled to put in place
necessary protections to allow laboratories and other
research groups to safely resume their activities.

Many but not all research activities have successfully restarted, even if not all are at full capacity. In parallel,
the COVID-19 emergency led to substantial innovation in research collaboration and scholarly
communication. It also demonstrated the limits of collaboration and communication infrastructure and
services in the face of widespread attention to scientific progress and its politicization.
The human impacts of the disruptions are vast. These include limitations and impediments facing
international students and disruptions to researchers that differ by gender, caregiver status, and career level.
There are substantial unanswered questions about international talent flows, the development of early career
researchers, and setbacks in achieving gender equity.
The research enterprise is coming back to life after an unplanned and unprecedented stoppage. Given the
uncertain nature of how the pandemic will proceed and what societal, economic, and educational changes
will result, we expect other impacts to develop over the coming months and years.

- BALADHARSHINI M
 34

The Psychological and Social Impact of

Covid-19: The Perspective of Well-Being

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has had significant psychological and social effects on the population.
Research has highlighted the impact on psychological well-being of the most exposed groups, including
children, college students, and health workers, who are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress
disorder, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of distress. The social distance and the security
measures have affected the relationship among people and their perception of empathy toward others.

The following article has two focuses of interest: (1) the evaluation of the psychological and social effects
of the pandemic on the population, mostly children and college students; and (2) the identification of
new perspectives of intervention based on digital devices and in line with the social security measures
and mental health promotion.

Studies of pandemics faced over time, such as SARS, Ebola, H1N1, Equine Flu, and the current COVID-19,
show that the psychological effects of contagion and quarantine are not limited to the fear of
contracting the virus. These aspects might lead to dramatic consequences such as the rise of suicides.
Suicidal behaviours are often related to the feeling of anger associated with the stressful condition
widely spread among people who lived/live in the most affected areas.

As reported in a recent survey administered during the Covid-19 pandemic, children and young adults are
particularly at risk of developing anxious symptoms. The research involved a sample of 1,143 parents of
Italian and Spanish children (range 3–18). In general, parents observed emotional and behavioural
changes in their children during the quarantine: symptoms related to difficulty concentrating (76.6%),
boredom (52%), irritability (39%), restlessness (38.8%), nervousness (38%), sense of loneliness (31.3%),
uneasiness (30.4%), and worries (30.1%). Further data collected on a sample of college students at the
time of the spread of the epidemic in China showed how anxiety levels in young adults are mediated by
certain protective factors, such as living in urban areas, the economic stability of the family, and
cohabitation with parents. On the contrary, having infected relatives or acquaintances leads to economic
problems and the slowdown in academic activities to a worsening in anxiety symptoms. These results
suggest monitoring and promoting mental health of youths in order to reduce the negative impact of the
quarantine.

In order to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms widespread among the population, the WHO and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed specific guidelines on the correct use of health
protection with the aim to minimize the distress associated with health-care professions.

At the same time, as a consequence of the emerging issues, psychotherapists provide psychological
support online, addressing the technological challenge. In this perspective, it is important to help future
generations of psychologists and patients to collaborate in the potential growth areas, through
education and training on the benefits and effectiveness of telepsychology. Telepsychology, for instance,
is a valid tool, effective in taking charge of the psychological suffering caused by the pandemic and in
preventing the chronicity of the disease.

- JANAKI M
 35
Play CONNEXIONS to cheer your minds before
jumping on to the upcoming contents

5. Handwash
4. Doctor
AKSHAYA B - 3. Online
Vaccine
2. Covid
1. Lockdown
Answers:
DECREASE IN POPULATION 36

RATE
(COVID-19) to assess the impact
on health of people for designing
effective policy responses to
constrain negative effects of
future pandemic waves of
COVID-19 and similar infectious
diseases in society. The research
here focuses on a case study of
Italy, one of the first countries to
experience a rapid increase in
numbers of COVID-19 related
infected individuals and deaths.
Statistical analyses, based on
daily data from February 2020 to
February 2021, suggest that the
first wave of COVID-19 pandemic
in Italy had a high negative
impact on health of people over
February-May 2020 period; after

that, negative effects declined

from June 2020 onwards.

Second wave of COVID-19 pandemic from August

2020 to February 2021 had a growing incidence
of confirmed cases also associated with variants of coronavirus, whereas admissions to Intensive
Care Units and total deaths had lower levels compared to the first wave of COVID-19. Lessons
learned of this comparative analysis between first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in
Italy can be generalized in similar geo-economic areas to support effective policy responses of
crisis management to constrain the negative impact on health of people of recurring waves of
COVID-19 pandemic and similar infectious diseases in future.
The most direct impact of COVID-19 are excess deaths. By early May 2021, the pandemic had
infected 152 million people and had claimed over three million lives worldwide.
The excess deaths from COVID-19 may reduce life expectancy. Some researchers predict that life
expectancy in the United States has decreased by 1.13 years due to COVID-19. The toll among Black
and Hispanic Americans, who have seen their life expectancy drop by 2.1 and 3.1 years,
respectively, has been especially high.
COVID-19 also has the potential to age vulnerable populations. A report from the Brookings
Institute reveals that, relative to white Americans, higher shares of Black and Hispanic Americans
who died from COVID-19 are middle-aged. Whereas whites comprise 62 percent of Americans
between the ages of 45 and 54, they account for just 22 percent of people in that age group who
have died from COVID-19. These differences imply that the pandemic will reduce the life
expectancy of Black and Hispanic Americans.
- KEERTHANA S
 37
The life saver Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19
vaccine
(First vaccine against Covid-19)

- ARCHANA D VORA

The Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine sold under the brand name Comirnaty, is an
mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine developed by the German biotechnology company
BioNTech and for its development collaborated with American company Pfizer, for
support with clinical trials, logistics, and manufacturing. Clinical trials for Pfizer
vaccine began in April 2020 by November 2020, the vaccine entered Phase III clinical
trials, with over 40,000 people participating.
Pfizer vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be authorized by a stringent
regulatory authority for emergency use and the first cleared for regular use. In
December 2020, the United Kingdom was the first country to authorize its use on an
emergency basis.

It is authorized for use in people aged twelve years and older in some jurisdictions
and for people sixteen years and older in other jurisdictions. The initial course
consists of two doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an interval
of three to four weeks between doses. Delaying the second dose by up to twelve
weeks increases immunogenicity, even in older adults, against all variants of concern.
The vaccine is supplied in a multi dose vial as a white to off-white, sterile,
preservative-free, frozen suspension for intramuscular injection It must be thawed to
room temperature and diluted with normal saline before administration.

On 23 August 2021, the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine became the first COVID-19 vaccine to
be approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for
those aged sixteen years and older.

Side effects:
Most side effects are mild to moderate in severity and are gone within a few days.
The most common include mild to moderate pain at the injection site, fatigue, and
headaches. Reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are very rare
and no long-term complications have been reported.
How about getting a 'Shield'? 38
EVERYTHING ABOUT COVIDSHIELD

COVISHIELD VACCINE DESCRIPTION

The Covishield COVID-19 (AZD1222) (C19VAZ) vaccine, formerly known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, is
made from a virus (ChAdOx1), a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus). In
addition, genetic material has been added to the ChAdOx1 construct, which is used to make
proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus called Spike glycoprotein (S).
Drug regulators in India granted emergency approval for the coronavirus vaccine co-developed by
AstraZeneca Plc and the University of Oxford on January 1, 2021. This vaccine is the same
formulation as the AZD1222 vaccine.
On February 15, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the Serum Institute of
India Pvt Ltd COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) known as COVISHIELD. On March 19,
2021, the WHO confirmed that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) has a favorable
benefit-risk profile, with tremendous potential to prevent infections and reduce deaths
worldwide.
On April 23, 2021, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology announced that Covishield might
protect people from various SARS-CoV-2 mutations.
Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. is now the world's largest vaccine manufacturer by the number
of doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.5 billion doses). The Poona Walla Bio-Tech Park
at Manjari in Pune is a State-of-the-Art facility designed to meet the highest standards set by
many regulatory agencies, including the MHRA, U.S. FDA, and Europe, Japan, Australia, etc.

COVISHIELD COVID-19 VACCINATION WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

Pregnant women "can and should" be vaccinated against COVID-19, the India Union Health
Ministry announced. "The Health Ministry has given guidelines that the vaccine can be given to
pregnant women. Vaccination is useful for them and should be given," said Dr. Balram Bhargava,
Director-General of the Indian Council for Medical Research, on June 25, 2021.

COVISHIELD COVID-19 VACCINE FOR CHILDREN

On September 28, 2021, Indian media reported that Serum Institute is enrolling children aged 7-11
years for its COVID-19 vaccine trial.

COVISHIELD COVID-19 VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS

A rare new type of adverse event called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, involving
unusual and severe blood clotting events associated with low platelet counts, has been reported
after vaccination with COVID-19 Vaccine Covishield, reported the WHO on April 16, 2021. On May 17,
2021, media reports indicated India's National Adverse Event Following Immunization committee
completed an in-depth case review of 498 serious and severe events, of which 26 cases have been
reported to be potential thromboembolic following administration of Covishield vaccine, "with a
reporting rate of 0.61 cases/ million doses".
On June 29, 2021, Health Canada updated the product monograph for COVISHIELD COVID-19
vaccines to add capillary leak syndrome as a potential side effect, with a warning for patients with
a history of capillary leak syndrome to not get the AstraZeneca or COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine.

COVIDSHIELD COVID-19 VACCINE STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

The vaccine can be stored, transported, and handled at normal refrigerated conditions (2-8
degrees Celsius/ 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 6-months and administered within existing
healthcare settings.

- KEERTHANA V
 Are you 39
'covaxinated'?
Let's get to know
about COVAXIN
COVAXIN, India's indigenous COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech is developed in collaboration
with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The
indigenous, inactivated vaccine is developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech's BSL-3
(Biosafety Level 3) high containment facility.
The vaccine is developed using Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell derived platform technology.
Inactivated vaccines do not replicate and are therefore unlikely to revert and cause pathological
effects. They contain dead virus, incapable of infecting people but still able to instruct the immune
system to mount a defensive reaction against an infection.

Why to develop an inactivated Vaccine? Conventionally, inactivated vaccines have been around for
decades. Numerous vaccines for diseases such as Seasonal Influenza, Polio, Pertussis, Rabies, and
Japanese Encephalitis use the same technology to develop inactivated vaccines with a safe track
record of >300 million doses of supplies to date. It is the well-established, and time-tested
platform in the world of vaccine technology.

Key Attributes:
COVAXIN is included along with immune-potentiators, also known as vaccine adjuvants, which are
added to the vaccine to increase and boost its immunogenicity.
It is a 2-dose vaccination regimen given 28 days apart.
It is a vaccine with no sub-zero storage, no reconstitution requirement, and ready to use liquid
presentation in multi-dose vials, stable at 2-8oC.

Pre-clinical studies:
Demonstrated strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy in animal challenge studies
conducted in hamsters & non-human primates.
The vaccine received DCGI approval for Phase I & II Human Clinical Trials in July, 2020. A total of 375
subjects have been enrolled in the Phase 1 study and generated excellent safety data without any
reactogenicity. Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody titers were observed with two divergent
SARS-CoV-2 strains. Percentage of all the side-effects combined was only 15% in vaccine
recipients.
In Phase 2 study, 380 participants of 12-65 years were enrolled. COVAXIN led to tolerable safety
outcomes and enhanced humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. A total of 25,800 subjects
have been enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive the vaccine and control in a Event-
Driven, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3 study. The purpose of
this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of COVAXIN® in volunteers aged
≥18 years.

COVAXIN demonstrated 77.8% vaccine efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 disease, through
evaluation of 130 confirmed cases, with 24 observed in the vaccine group versus 106 in the placebo
group. The efficacy against severe symptomatic COVID-19 disease is shown to be 93.4%. The
efficacy data demonstrates 63.6% protection against asymptomatic COVID-19.
Safety analysis demonstrates adverse events reported were similar to placebo, with 12% of
subjects experiencing commonly known side effects and less than 0.5% of subjects feeling serious
adverse events.

- KRITHYA LAKSHMI
 40

Let's know about SPUTNIK V

Sputnik V is the world's first registered vaccine based on a well-studied human adenovirus vector
platform. It has been approved for use in 70 countries with a total population of 4 billion people.
The vaccine is named after the first Soviet space satellite. The launch of Sputnik-1 in 1957
reinvigorated space research around the world, creating a so-called “Sputnik moment” for the
global community.

The vaccine’s efficacy is 97.6%, based on the analysis of data on the incidence of coronavirus
among Russians vaccinated with both vaccine components between December 5, 2020 and March
31, 2021.Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for the vaccine were completed on August 1, 2020. The Phase 3
clinical trial results were published in Russia in the Lancet magazine on February 2, 2021. Phase 3
clinical trials of Sputnik V have also been successful in the UAE, India, Venezuela and Belarus.

The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven well-studied human adenovirus vector platform; these
vectors cause the common cold and have plagued humanity for millennia. Sputnik V was the first
coronavirus vaccine to use a heterogeneous boosting approach based on 2 different vectors for 2
vaccine shots. This approach generates a more sustainable immunity compared to vaccines that
use the same delivery mechanism for both shots.

The safety, efficacy and lack of long-term adverse effects of adenovirus vaccines have been proven
in more than 250 clinical trials over two decades. Sputnik V does not cause severe allergies.A
storage temperature of +2…+8 °C allows the vaccine to be stored in a regular refrigerator without
the need to invest in additional cold chain infrastructure.

Sputnik V is effective against new strains of coronavirus, according to a study by the Gamaleya
Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology published in the leading international
magazine Vaccines.

The vaccine produces protective neutralising antibody titres against new strains, including Alpha
B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), Beta B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa), Gamma P.1 (first
identified in Brazil), Delta B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3 (first identified in India) and variants B.1.1.141 and
B.1.1.317 with mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) identified in Moscow.

- VAISHNAVI VP
-RIMZIM SINGHI
43
 44

- NIRNAYA S
MERCK's
45

COVID
PILL

An experimental COVID-19 treatment pill called molnupiravir

being developed by Merck & Co Inc and Ridgeback
Biotherapeutics LP, is seen in this undated handout photo
released by Merck & Co Inc and obtained by Reuters May 17, 2021.
Merck & Co Inc/Handout via REUTERS

Oct 17 (Reuters) – The plan to roll out Merck & Co’s (MRK.N)
promising antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 risks repeating the
inequities of vaccine distribution, potentially leaving the nations
with the greatest need once again at the back of the line,
international health groups say.

For example, only about 5% of Africa’s population is immunized,

creating an urgent need for therapeutics that could keep people
out of hospitals. That compares with more than a 70%
inoculation rate in most wealthy nations.

Merck on Oct 11 applied for U.S. emergency clearance of the first

pill for COVID-19 after it cut hospitalizations and deaths by 50%
in a large clinical trial. The medicine, made with Ridgeback
Biotherapeutics, could gain authorization as soon as December.
But international health officials said even that is not enough for
the medicine to reach many in low- and middle-income
countries in large enough numbers, while noting shortcomings
and red tape among global organizations that could further slow
distribution.
Merck this year plans to produce 10 million treatment courses of
the pill, which is taken twice a day for five days, and another 20
million next year.

- RATHIKA S
- CHANCHAL
 47

LAUGHTER
THERAPY

If there’s a baby boom nine

01 months from now, what
will happen in 2033? There
will be a whole bunch of
quaranteens.

Did you hear the joke about

02 the germ? Never mind, I
don’t want to spread it
around.

What types of jokes are

03 allowed during quarantine?
Inside jokes!

What do all virus jokes have

04 in common? They’re catchy.

I’ll tell you a coronavirus

05 joke now, but you’ll have to
wait two weeks to see if you
got it.

SEJAL KODURI -
 GROWTH OF INDUSTRIES 48

DURING PANDEMIC
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the world in unimaginable ways. From businesses to
lifestyles and livelihoods, the outbreak has upended our lives overnight. For businesses
across verticals, this has led to an unprecedented downfall in revenues and operations with
extended lockdowns in several countries.
Some industries such as travel and aviation, retail, and hospitality have taken the worst hit
due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and a significant slump in consumer spending.
However, even amidst this economic crisis, some of the niche sectors have not only managed
to stay afloat but also witness trend-defying growth.
Capitalising on the new normal, these sectors have recorded an increase in their revenues
and customer base. The sectors that boomed during the pandemic are:

1. Ed-tech:
Since the onset of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, the ed-tech
industry has seen a considerable upsurge in users. With schools and colleges shut, ed-tech
has been the saviour for teachers, students, and parents as well. Innovative and interactive
teaching methods such as live classes, on-the-spot doubt clearance, and practice papers are
offering a fulfilling learning experience for students. Not just students, the demand for skill-
based and knowledge-based online courses has also soared among salaried professionals.
This rise in demand for both students and professionals is undoubtedly accelerating the
growth of ed-tech.

2. Online gaming:
With people being forced to remain indoors and maintain social distancing
from others, they need to keep themselves occupied. Online gaming has come to their
rescue.The pandemic has offered a boost to the gaming industry. With innumerable options
to choose from and several new trends such as the rise of AR and VR, gaming is now all about
the experience, and players in the industry are determined to offer a highly immersive and
captivating experience.

3.Agri-tech:
Home to over 1.3 billion people, over 50% of India’s population is involved in the
agricultural sector. One of the reasons agriculture is still taking precedence even during the
global crisis is that food can never go out of business it’s a fundamental aspect of our survival!
However, agriculture cannot power through the pandemic and the future on its own and
needs cutting-edge technology.The Covid-19 crisis has paved the way for large-scale
digitization in this sector and agri-tech has steadily been gaining traction, as a result. With
traditional marketing channels disrupted, farmers are now accessing digital mandis to
directly connect with wholesale buyers and sell their produce from the safety and comfort of
their homes. Even online grocers have turned to the digital mandis to get seamless access to
fresh produce. Considering that the availability of food, or the lack thereof, will definitely
impact mankind, agri-tech is one of the industries which will thrive.

4.Med-tech: 49
As we see healthcare systems across the globe stretched worryingly thin, the role of med-
tech in cushioning the impact cannot be stressed enough.
From infra-red thermometers to lifesaving ventilators, med-tech has aided the medicine industry at
every step. Other than that, the influx of cloud-based storage solutions has helped doctors,
researchers and healthcare institutes to manage the overwhelming amount of paperwork and
documentation in recent times.Telemedicine is another area of med-tech that has emerged as a
saviour of patients, enabling them to consult with doctors virtually.
This has been particularly helpful for people from remote areas and tier-II and tier-III cities. Taking into
account the mayhem induced by the pandemic, it is no surprise that the med-tech industry has
observed a surge in business.

5.Online media:
Spending over 90% of their time indoors, people are constantly looking for quality content
to consume. In today’s digital world, online content is the king. The pandemic has paved the way for
the online media and entertainment industry to achieve inexplicable growth. OTT platforms such as
Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar are seeing a significant rise in the percentage of viewers. With
movie theatres and other avenues of entertainment such as concerts being temporarily banned, even
stars from the entertainment industry have taken to online platforms. Without a shadow of a doubt,
these industries are the ones who are making the most out of the pandemic with almost the entire
world’s population turning to them. Their heightened demand signifies that they are prospering and
the road ahead for these sectors is promising.

6.SAAS Companies:
Software as a Service (SAAS) describes most online companies that provide their services
through software. SAAS is a fast-growing sector worth roughly $104.7 billion according to a report
published on Hubspot.com. Last year, SAAS was one of the biggest beneficiaries of lockdown. Most
companies couldn't use traditional marketing, advertising, cloud storage, and communication
techniques. Instead, the better option was to rely on some of these SAAS products:

MailChimp—email marketing
Shopify---building web stores
WordPress—building blogs and websites
Zoom—video communication
Square—digital payments
G-Suite—Google products like Gmail and Google sheets
The Internet is jam-packed with SAAS products. And most businesses that provide these Internet-
based products have been performing incredibly well during the pandemic. According to experts, the
SAAS industry is projected to double in value in the next couple of years.

7.Self-care Beauty Products:

The beauty industry has always ranked among the most popular industries in the world.
During the pandemic, however, things have changed. Physical beauty salons and beauty retail shops
have been struggling to stay in business. But on the other hand, online beauty sales have increased by
84% since the pandemic began. Better yet, referrals for home care-related beauty products have
mushroomed by a whopping 113%. Against that backdrop, it is clear the beauty industry is gravitating
toward eCommerce. The humongous growth rates witnessed during the pandemic will inevitably go
down. But more and more consumers are choosing a lifestyle based on shopping products online.

- KHUSHI BALAR
Covid-19: THE BRIGHT SIDE 50

The positive side of lockdowns

So far ever since covid-19 came into our lives all that The lockdown has taught us how to live a simple
we have talked about were the miseries, tragedies, life by minimizing unnecessary wants as much as
the obvious challenges and the darkest of aspects possible. For instance, we are getting online to work
of it but let’s also appreciate some of the positive and learn easily, watching movies at home instead
effects it had on us as individuals as well as our of going to the theatres, making bank transactions
environment. online, eating simple home-cooked food instead of
going to fancy restaurants, purchasing different
Remember the never ending Lockdown and the consumer goods online instead of visiting stores,
Quarantining we did? Well it wasn't for nothing. Of etc. Still, we need to fight the outbreak as soon as
course it protected us from the virus but what it possible in order to get back to the natural glory of
also protected was our mother nature. New Delhi, the globe. Which is why it is advised to follow the
the national capital and Mumbai, the economic necessary precautions to keep ourselves safe during
capital known for their poor air quality due to the pandemic.
excess pollution saw a drastic difference in its
pollution levels just weeks after lockdown was
imposed [Image Inset]. Visuals of cleaner river
Ganga have emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur
& Varanasi and the authorities have confirmed that
clear water is a result of coronavirus lockdown in
India. And this is just India we are talking about.
Similar results were observed throughout the globe
and environmental experts say it was a necessary
evil we had to face for our own good.

With humans self-isolating in their homes, animals

that usually stay away from urban areas now have
space to roam. Also in India, there's been a massive
spike in the number of baby Olive Ridley sea turtles,
as beaches lie empty of humans. It's thought that
around 60 million eggs have been deposited on
Indian beaches this year. Similar instances were
noticed in various parts of the world.
So many people are seeing the situation of
lockdown as an opportunity to spend more quality
time and bond with their families. Also, people are
engaging themselves in exercising or other fitness
activities like dancing or doing yoga daily as now
they have extra free time. This is contributing a lot
in creating healthier versions of themselves. People
are now also investing more time in their hobbies.
They are getting creative by learning new things
online like playing an instrument, cooking a new
dish, etc. In the absence of the pressure of fast-
paced life, people are now more into self-care
habits, reading books, etc. and focusing on things
which actually make them happy.

DHWANI SHARMA-
- KALAIVANI.C