The anxiety and panic about the new virus “Corona,” around the world was palpable in our campus as well.  Fr. P.T. Joseph, the principal organized an awareness programme on Corona Virus which was also expected by the Department of Technical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu’s circular.  Fr. Principal introduced Dr. Cynthia, the visiting medical practitioner in order to give a professional awareness to the students of SIGA.

Dr. Cynthia spoke among the students about the origin, early symptoms, preventive measures and the action to be taken immediately in case of infection.  She assured the students that there is no need to panic as the Government of Tamil Nadu has taken adequate measures to control the spread of this pandemic.  She also requested the students that this sensitive issue is blown out of proportion by the social media users which are fake.  She informed the students the statistical details of the Corona Virus infections around the world and that of India and Tamil Nadu.  She also compared the earlier epidemics like the SARS and MERS which had higher mortality rate than the Corona Virus at present which is just 1 to 2.5 percentage, comparatively too low.  She advised the students to stay at home if they have symptoms like sore throat, cough, cold, runny nose, sneezing and/or fever as that can even be an ordinary flu and to immediately approach a doctor in case the symptoms are advancing and severe.  She told the students to not skip breakfast and regular exercises as it will help the body to boost its immune system.

A short video on Corona Virus Awareness made by the Health and Family Welfare Department of the Tamil Nadu Government was screened for the students which covered all the necessary details on Corona Virus, its symptoms, spreading pattern, precautionary measures to be taken etc.  Dr. Cynthia recollected all these information for the students one more time and appealed for cooperation from the students to fight this pandemic.  She then clarified the doubts asked by the students.

As a preventive measure soaps and sanitizers were placed in the wash rooms and the public areas of the campus.  Awareness posters were stuck in the classrooms, noticeboards, washroom areas and corridors were the students can notice easily.  Students who feel sick were advised not to attend the college.  The college has purchased masks and other protective gear in case of emergency.  The college has posted an awareness video in the college’s official website www.sigaindia.com and also through the Yammer App which is used by the students of SIGA.