Ever since its discovery in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, the novel viral Coronavirus disease, since named Covid-19 has spread rapidly globally. So much so, that the World Health Organization was forced to declare it a pandemic on Wednesday, the first to ever be caused by a Coronavirus. As we start to see more cases in Maharashtra, it's imperative that we put in preventive measures, which can help avert the spread of infection.

India was lucky to not face the brunt of this pandemic initially, but now with rising numbers, concerns are being raised about the potential impact of a worsening situation. While the government has been working on ramping up testing, increasing the number of isolation and treatment (symptomatic) facilities and implementing prevention messaging communication, we might have reached a stage where further efforts are needed. These steps will impact all of us, and requires central and state government-level initiatives, including use of their discretionary public health powers as well as support and involvement of the public.