In late 2019 the world witnessed a pandemic that has changed our entire lifestyle. To combat the COVID-19 pandemic spread by the coronavirus, people adapted to many changes to prevent its spread. Global health agencies like WHO, medical professionals, and national governments globally declared a set of protocols to ensure public health safety. These safety protocols include wearing a mask, using a sanitiser, taking the vaccine, maintaining a safe distance, etc. 

What is Coronavirus? 

Coronavirus is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Due to its vast and rapid spread throughout the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared it a pandemic in early 2020. Coronavirus was first traced in China, and soon, a massive breakout led to its spread across the globe. 

Different Variants of Coronavirus

Coronavirus was first detected in late 2019. Since then, many different strains or variants of Corona have been witnessed over time. The variants of Coronavirus, in the beginning, were relatively severe and life-threatening. But the latest versions of the virus seem to be less severe and have less life-threatening potency. 

Here is a Comprehensive list of Coronavirus variants: 

• Omicron – The Omicron variant is divided into two sub-variants  1) Omicron B1 and 2) Omicron B2. These Coronavirus variants predominantly spread in the US and South Africa in late 2021 and in India in early 2022.

The sub-variant B2 is less severe than B1 or the Delta variant. 

• Delta – Delta (B.1.617.2) was first traced in India in late 2020. But soon, it spread all over the world. The Delta variant is at least 80-90% more transmutable than the Alpha variant. 
• Beta – Scientists first identified this variant of Coronavirus in South Africa in 2020. Soon, it spread across the globe. The beta variant also has a couple of sub variants. 
• Alpha – Alpha variant is the first and most severe variant of Coronavirus. Great Britain first witnessed it in November 2020. This variant also spread rapidly.

Prevention Methods for Coronavirus

WHO, in early 2020, declared a set of Prevention methods to prevent Coronavirus from spreading. These precautions are to ensure people’s safety and security from the pandemic. 

Vaccination

Soon after the outbreak of Coronavirus, scientists all over the world started developing vaccines to combat the virus. After long and multiple trials, the scientists of Oxford came up with a vaccine named Oxford- AstraZeneca. According to the World Health Organisation, there are currently nine different vaccines globally approved and in use. They include:

1. Pfizer-BioNTech
2. Oxford-Astrazeneca (Covishield)
3. ShinoPharma BIBP
4. Covaxin
5. CoronaVac
6. Medicago
7. Novavax
8. Modern
9. Janssen

These 5 types of vaccines are still under the observation of WHO: 

1. Sputnik-V
2. Convidecia
3. Sanofi-GSK
4. ShinoPharma WIBP 
5. SCB-2019

Sanitiser

Other than Vaccines, WHO also recommends the regular use of sanitiser. Sanitisers are alcohol-based liquids, or gels rubbed on the skin to rid of the harmful bacteria or germs that may be present on the surface. Sanitiser can combine different compounds such as antiseptic, anti-germ, etc., properties.  

Wearing Mask

Another necessary protocol declared by WHO is compulsory use. WHO recommends using N-95 masks when stepping out in public places as an effective method to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization has listed many other necessary protocols such as maintaining social distance, not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands, and staying indoors to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, coronavirus’s primary and most effective preventive method is to take the vaccine when your turn comes.