Halden's technique boasts high sensitivity, with the potential to detect the signature of a single infected individual among 100 to 2 million persons. To accomplish this, wastewater samples are screened for the presence of nucleic acid fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The RNA genomes are amplified through a process known as reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR). CREDIT Shireen Dooling

Coronavirus: As India reopens, Indians reluctant to use public transport, 62% averse to use Ola, Uber

Posted by: Arun Kumar

As India prepares to ease the lockdown from May 18, a survey revealed that more than 70% people do not want to use public transport while 62% are reluctant to use cab-hailing apps like Ola and Uber. The new survey conducted by market research and analysis firm Velocity MR revealed on Friday that 71% would reduce shopping in malls and supermarkets and 80% would prefer to continue with online shopping.

At least 50% people anticipated increase in unemployment rates, followed by lack of job security in the private sector (53%) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Our study shows that in the next six months to one year, 47% are planning to invest in mutual funds followed by stock/shares (33%) and gold (30%),” said Jasal Shah, Managing Director and CEO, Velocity MR.

About 77% of those surveyed wish to use Arogya Setu app and more than 57% want to maintain social distancing and washing and sanitizing hands at regular intervals going forward in their daily lifestyle in the wake of the coronavrus pandemic.

Banking sector can witness a major boost through their digital payment services as close to 90% of respondents are willing to shift from cash to digital payments. “Almost 80% of respondents considered the non-availability of alcohol and cigarettes as one of the major benefits, and 74% considered work from home advantage and not a disadvantage,” the survey said.

The survey was conducted in April with a sample size of 3,000, covering categories including shopping habits, purchase habits, travel, social activities, investments, social responsibilities during the pandemic.

COVID-19 outbreak is nothing like India has ever seen before. If smallpox that took over 15,000 lives in 1974, is regarded as the worst epidemic in India, then COVID-19 is the one deadliest pandemic case that the country has ever come across. With just a little over 3 months, the virus-infected over 4 million people across the globe.

Velocity MR, acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19, conducted a study to understand and gauge the sentiments of the Indian towards the virus outbreak. This study covers the concern level, awareness level of the consumers as well their thoughts on the outbreak, the business it impacted and the initiatives taken by the government in India.