Why Kerala is Performing Better in COVID-19 Fight Compared to the Other Indian States?

Kerala was the first state in India to report a COVID-19 patient. She was a medical student returned from China’s Wuhan Institute of Medical Sciences. However, Kerala was prepared well before the first patient was reported. Since the state has many of its people working and studying abroad. Let us see how and why Kerala is performing better in COVID-19 fight than the other Indian States. 

Early Action

“A stitch in time saves nine.” Kerala prepared isolation/ quarantine wards before COVID-19 arrived its doorsteps. The virology labs were ready for a testing maximum of those who are suspected. The persons with symptoms were tested and quarantined. The patients’ root map was prepared. The authorities’ not only depended on the patient’s memory but also utilised technology, CCTV footages, GPS mapping etc to confirm the places where the patients went. 

Prior Experience

This is not the first time Kerala is facing such a situation. Previously the state witnessed the attack of Nipah, a more lethal virus. The state’s speedy action and effective administrative steps had been successful in containing the Nipah virus, which doesn’t have any proven remedy. Kerala followed the same procedure, which was prepared during the Nipah outbreak, for COVID -19 too. With its confirmed efficacy, the authorities didn’t have to think twice before implementing the protocol across the state. 

The state had initiated “break the chain” campaign and installed points for handwashing at places. It issued repeated reminders to people to follow precautions such as usage of facemask, hand wash and social distancing of at least one meter.  

Responsible Leadership

Every battle requires a firm and decisive leader. The battle against COVID-19, Coronavirus, is no different. Mrs KK Shailaja, popularly known as Shailaja teacher for her Science teacher background, led the team. She was prompt and strict. She along with the administrative officials, doctors, nurses and health workers, didn’t leave anything unturned. A strict directive was also issued to all the four airports in the state to commence screening of all those arriving from foreign countries. 

The number of COVID -19 testing was the highest in India. Consequently, Kerala became the state with a maximum number of Coronavirus affected patients initially. At one point, Kerala was considered as the “COVID -19 capital” of India. What others didn’t realise was that the high number of COVID-19 patients are due to increased testing. The same was proved with time. Kerala has also set up Walk-in Sample Kiosk (WISK) for Coronavirus sample testing. This helped in Kerala performing better in COVID-19 fight than the other Indian States.

Literate People

With hundred per cent literacy, it was comparatively easy for the administrative authorities to pass messages and promulgate orders. The messages spread through social media were conveyed to everyone within minutes. The celebrities and other known faces in Kerala’s cultural and literary field helped in infusing the messages to people’s mind.  

The public awareness was so high that the government could easily convey every message to each one. Besides, the clear instructions and information regarding COVID -19 helped in precluding rumours of any kind. 

Strict Policing

Kerala started lockdown measures before it was announced across India. Police officials took stringent actions to prevent people from coming out to the public without any firm reasons. Understanding the seriousness, the majority of the people obeyed to the directives from police authorities. Drones were also used for forcing people to remain at their home.

The police not only ensured proper lockdown but also ensured that the needy were helped in time. The police took it as their responsibility to supply food grains and help people requiring urgent attention at hospitals. Kerala police also prepared videos for educating the society about the necessity of washing their hands frequently, at least for 20 seconds, using facemasks at public places, keeping a distance of 1 meter from others and so on. 

Less Population

Kerala is one of the states with less population. The other less populated states viz. Goa, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have recorded one hundred per cent recovery. Even, Goa and Manipur have been declared COVID-19 free states. Kerala with about 3.5 crore population could be easier to handle than Uttar Pradesh with about 20 crores. It is one of the major reasons for Kerala performing better in COVID-19 fight than the other Indian States.

However, the fact to be read along with this is that Kerala is the most densely populated states in India. Since the COVID -19, Coronavirus, spread through physical interactions the density of the state is a major issue.   

Health Infrastructure

Kerala is one of the leading states in India regarding educational and health infrastructure. The government hospitals also have good infrastructure, in addition to, well-qualified and dedicated doctors. The number of hospitals in per square kilometre would be more than any other state in India. The quality of treatment, medical care, constant monitoring has made the state’s COVID -19 recovery rate above 70%, which is higher than anywhere else in the world. 

The point to note here is that the foreigners who had undergone COVID-19 treatment in Kerala had all praise for the state. 

The above-mentioned are some of the reasons for Kerala performing better in COVID-19 fight than the other Indian States.

You may read Life During COVID-19 here

Shine Syamaladevi is the author of Those Naked lies and The Ribbon Trap

Life During COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic has affected our lives in many ways. We have been forced to remain locked in our homes. Most of the firms have directed their employees to continue work from home. Those who cannot do that are planning to resume the business once the COVID-19 lockdown is withdrawn. The point to remember here is that we have to be cautious and take all the necessary precautions even after the lockdown period. Government is deciding the withdrawal, not the Coronavirus! Life during the COVID-19 lockdown period may be stressful. We may fall melancholic thinking about the uncertainty surrounding the future.

However, human life is precious and we should not be wasting our moments worrying about the disease. This time is to contemplate, rejuvenate and resurge when the right time arrives. We will be discussing the methods to keep us motivated that will enable us to perform the best after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.    

Your Reaction is what matters

We all are human beings with a unique point of views, perceptions and thought process. Therefore, we react to each situation in our own manner. The fear of COVID-19 can make some people nervous, affecting their sleep and daily chores. It can make some unreasonably angry with everyone around. The psychological condition may also lead to physical ailments or health issues. 

Always remember that the way you react to a situation is what registers in your mind. Your reaction will affect you more than it affects others. The implications of a stronger reaction will reflect on your body and health. Understanding that, deliberate attempts must be made by you to control the emotions. Occasional outbursts are okay, but frequent reactions are clear no. 

As you know, your inner feelings will be evident on your face. You are sad, angry or happy, others will be able to read it from your face. The thing you might not have realised is that it can happen vice versa too. I.e. try to smile even if you do not feel so. Smile, without any reason, when you get up in the morning. You will realise that the feeling is seeping into your psyche unknowingly. Studies indicate that by generating the facial expressions (in this case, smile) the mind could be lead to the same feeling.

Smile, when you turn anxious, angry or sad. It may be difficult initially. But you can develop it with practice. This habit will help you not only during COVID-19 period but during later life also.

Reduce Media

Media is always known for “fear marketing”. They follow the same method since ages. This does not mean that COVID-19 is not a serious issue. Of course, it is. However, the newspapers and visual media will be sending out reports of deaths and an increasing number of patients. It will speak as if the pandemic has reached our doorstep. 

Avoid watching news channels and reading newspapers too much. It will only add to your worry. You need to understand that there are lakhs of doctors and health workers working day in and day out to contain the pandemic. Hope about a better tomorrow is the driving force to them. We can be hopeful that the efficient doctors will be able to win the battle and the researchers will invent a vaccine for COVID-19. 

Healthy Food habits

Eat healthily. It will rejuvenate your body. Try to include more fruits that can improve your resistance. Drink more water. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Some recent researches indicate that Nicotine can resist Coronavirus (However, it is not proven yet). Nonetheless, that does not mean that you turn chain smoker overnight.  

Exercise

Spend some time to work out. You need not go out to exercise. You can use your terrace or a room to do some sit-ups, push-ups etc. Our aim is to sweat out. It will relax both your body and mind. 

Practising Yoga is also good. If you don't know the asana, you can watch it on YouTube and follow it. Yoga is one of the best ways to improve mental and physical strength sitting inside your home. 

Practice Pranayama. It is an Indian breath controlling technique, proven to improve resistance and health. After all, life is the result of inhaling and exhaling only. 

Observe Your Children 

Your anxiety may affect the children too. You need to monitor them for any mood swings or worries. Talk with them whenever possible, even if they do not show any kind of nervousness. Reassure them that everything is going to be all right and they are safe. Avoid watching news channels that show death toll or rise in number patients, with them. 

Talk to Friends

Continue the communication with your friends, colleagues and relatives. Remain in touch through WhatsApp, Facebook, eMail or phone call. It will give us an inner feeling that we are not alone. It will strengthen our mind to fight the battle. 

Let us hope for the best. Hope is what has been guiding human beings since time immemorial!

If you are into business, this article will help you in planning your business-related activities during and after COVID-19

Shine Syamaladevi is the author of Those Naked lies and The Ribbon Trap

Business During and After COVID-19

The area where COVID-19 outbreak has affected the most is the national and international business. Many of the business firms around the world are on the verge of closing down. Or are downsizing to cut the costs and survive. However, this is not the time to lose hope and stop working. Rather we must be battling with all our vigour to regain the momentum. An inactive RNA, Coronavirus, should not defeat human being, the most developed species. Bearing this in mind let’s see the ways to maintain the momentum of our business during and after COVID-19.

You might have already reduced all your budget overheads to sustain the business. This may include advertisement on print and visual media paid ad campaigns on social media and public promotions through other means. Of course, the impact of COVID-19 could not be analysed at this juncture. However, the effects of the disease expected to remain even after the world recover fully from it. Therefore, you must calculate your moves and strategize your business accordingly.  

Business during COVID-19

The sales of your product may be down due to people reducing consumption. They have turned to purchase of only essential goods and services. The present period may be used to assess your business and the areas that need attention. Necessary corrective measures may be worked out, to implement it when you get back to business. The other areas you can consider looking into regarding the business during COVID-19 is elaborated in the succeeding paragraphs.

Brand Building

This inactive/ less active period could be ideal for enhancing your brand identity. You may not have to spend money on paid campaigns or advertisements. You can utilise social media, which will not cost you anything.   

You can prepare flyers, posters or infographic videos regarding COVID-19 and the safety precautions. People tend to neglect government directives. The posters and other materials prepared by you or your agency will act both as a reminder to the public and publicity material for your business. It will give a positive identity to your business/ product/ service, which will be beneficial for you in the future.  

Interact with People

You can continue your interaction with potential customers. There may be doubts/ queries regarding the present status of your business or the prospects with respect to resumption. Provide detailed answers to their questions. It will assure them that, your business is still on. If possible, give them a tentative date, when you are expected to start working in full swing.  

Just like you, the others are also going through troubled times. Your reassuring message will ignite hope in their minds too. Note that an optimistic attitude from your end will augment the image of your business. You may also reach out to them and interact if possible. Of course, your communication should not cause disturbance to the clients.

Concentrate on Organic SEO

You don’t need to spend money on ad campaigns on Google, Facebook, Instagram and other social media apps and websites. You may prepare contents that will generate organic SEO. As most of the companies have stopped or curtailed their advertisement campaigns, you have a plausible opportunity to attract more leads.

With your search engine optimised content ranking high on searches, more people will know about your business/ product. If your team is not capable of preparing SEO content, you may consult a digital marketing agency in Kerala for the same. The rates could be negotiated, as they also will be waiting for work.

Update on Google Map

Google Map is the place one searches for services and products “near me”. It gives location-based results in respect of products or service. You must keep your business “open”. Or set a specific timeline that you will be open between so and so times. Otherwise, Google will reflect your business as “closed”, affecting your business negatively.

You may contact “Google My Business Support” for the same.

Business after COVID-19

You will have to take all the necessary precautions even after COVID-19 pandemic comes under control unless a vaccine is invented for it. It is expected to take some time for the businesses to flourish. As people are also financially affected due to the loss of jobs or a decrease in salary.  

You need to keep a check on your budget until everything turns normal and people start spending money as before. The brand-building activities you had started during COVID-19 should not be stopped all at once. It should continue without any stoppage. Of course, you may not have to do paid campaigns.    

You may ask your digital marketing agency, if you have one, to increase the number of organic SEO contents. That will ensure more publicity to your products and service.

Let us hope for the best and move ahead. Never lose your confidence, as it will affect both your business and employees. With some financial planning and preparedness, we can handle this time of crisis.

Tailpiece:

Remember the following to prevent the spread ofCOVID-19

• Facemask
• Hand wash
• Hand Sanitiser 
• Avoid touch on face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Social distance of 1 meter 
• Stay home, Stay Safe
• Cover your nose while sneezing

This article will help you rejuvenate your life during COVID-19

ShineSyamaladevi is the author of Those Naked lies and The Ribbon Trap