Page 3 - Covid 26 July 2021

PREFACE
Effective communication is in its own right a non-pharmaceutical intervention for any epidemic that can increase adherence to protective behaviours necessary to mitigate its spread. There is no ‘best practice’ for communication during a complex public health emergency, but past experiences have led to several principles that contribute to a successful strategy. India is fighting the second wave of the COVID pandemic with a lot of resilience and grit. A very encouraging and precise trend is now visible as the positivity rate is declining rapidly.
We continue compiling new information every fortnight on the pandemic to continue sensitising our readers about COVID-related latest developments. The aim is to inform the readers and strengthen the usefulness of the information. This edition contains compilation and coverage of information related to research outputs, industry collaborations, COVID communications, resources and outreach, along with additional fact-check questionnaires.
Hopefully, the coverage about how the country is overcoming challenges with the help of knowledge will instil in you confidence and trust in the country’s scientists and scientific administrators that would ultimately result in inculcating scientific temper among the general public. The collective strength of the nation and the service spirit of the frontline workers have ensured that we are coming out of the perilous situation.
We wish an engaging reading to our audiences across all strata of the society and look forward to their suggestions and feedback at covidnewsletter@vigyanprasar.gov.in. Additionally, feedback questionnaires have been included, and a link has been provided for submission. This, in turn, would help our readers in finding desired and more relevant compiled information in subsequent editions.
26 July 2021 Vigyan Prasar New Delhi