Activities of RASS during Covid-19

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a pandemic affecting many countries globally.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment.

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illnesses. People of all ages who experience fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

The Government of India to protect the people of the country from COVID-19 declared a lockdown from 24.03.2020 onwards. During the lockdown period, Rashtriya Seva Samithi (RASS) has undertaken several activities for the well-being of the various segments of society.

Rashtriya Seva Samithi (RASS) is a premier Non- governmental Organization established to 1981implimenting various welfare and developmental activities for the well-being of the poorest of the poor with the support of GOI, State Govts. and Foreign funding agencies.

During the Nationwide lockdown, the organization has keenly undertaken the following activities in the Chittoor and Vizianagaram Districts of Andhra Pradesh, Tiruttani, and Chennai blocks of Tamil Nadu. Most of the areas covered are categorized as ‘Red Zones’:

• Awareness of COVID-19 to Volunteers
• Printing and distribution of Pamphlets
• Awareness of COVID-19 in the community
• Distribution of Food
• Distribution of Hygiene
• Distribution of Family-based activity
• Distribution of Frontline workers
• Distribution of Masks and Sanitizers
• Distribution of Groceries
• Distribution of Water, Buttermilk, Snacks, and Food
• Shelter for stranded building construction workers of other states
• Counseling services through FCC
• Services of Child Line 1098
• Blood Donation