THE INDIAN AIR FORCE RESPONSE

The IAF is ever ready and geared up to meet all the emerging needs of the nation and to support the ongoing war against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

- AIR MARSHAL B.K. PANDEY (RETD)

IT WAS ON DECEMBER 01 LAST YEAR THAT A NEW TYPE OF virus of unknown origin that caused symptoms in human beings that were somewhat similar to Pneumonia, was first reported from Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in Central China. Transmitted easily through close human-to-human contact, this new health hazard that turned out to have a high fatality rate especially in the elderly and those with pre-existing diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, was dubbed as Coronavirus abbreviated as COVID-19. With no drug available for treating specially this affliction, the infection spread rapidly like wildfire not only within China, but all across the globe, virulently engulfing large sections of the population of nations especially in Europe such as Italy, France and the United Kingdom (UK). Surprisingly, the United States (US) which is located far away from China, has been one of the nations that has been severely affected by this virus. India too has not been spared, but quite fortunately, with distinctly lower numbers infected and lower fatalities as compared with the nations mentioned above. This is attributable largely to the very timely and stern measures adopted by the central government under directions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in consonance with the state governments including even those with different political affiliations.