Salute to COVID-19 Warriors

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020 following an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown origin reported since December 2019. Subsequently, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) identified the causative agent as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), genetically related to the virus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003.

On 11 February 2020, WHO officially named the disease COVID-19, in accordance with established guidelines in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Declaration of the Pandemic and India’s Response

On 11 March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, urging nations to take urgent and comprehensive measures to detect, treat, and reduce transmission.

Responding decisively, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India announced a nationwide lockdown effective from midnight of 25 March 2020, which was later extended until 31 May 2020, to contain the spread of the virus. The Government of India undertook extensive measures to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure preparedness to combat the pandemic.

COVID-19 Warriors: Leading from the Front

During these unprecedented times, COVID-19 Warriors—including doctors, nurses, health professionals, police personnel, sanitation workers, postal and banking employees, and other government officials—played a critical role in maintaining essential services and safeguarding the nation.

Health Professionals: The Frontline Defenders

Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers were at the forefront of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Despite facing hazards such as pathogen exposure, long working hours, psychological stress, fatigue, and occupational burnout, healthcare professionals across India rendered exceptional service.

To support pandemic response efforts, the Union Government created an online data pool at https://covidwarriors.gov.in. This repository included over 11 lakh doctors and 17 lakh nurses, enabling state, district, and municipal authorities to mobilize resources effectively.

Police and Law Enforcement Services

Police and law enforcement agencies played a vital role in enforcing lockdown measures, maintaining social distancing, guarding containment zones, ensuring home quarantines, and conducting high-risk evacuations. Their unwavering commitment ensured public safety and order during the crisis.

Sanitation Workers: Guardians of Public Hygiene

An estimated five million sanitation workers across the country worked tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By maintaining cleanliness in streets, public spaces, sewage systems, and sanitation facilities, they formed a critical line of defense against the virus.

Banking and Postal Services: Sustaining the Nation

Recognizing their essential role, banks and post offices were exempted from lockdown restrictions. Banks provided critical financial services including mobile ATMs, cash transactions, remittances, and government schemes.

The Department of Posts, operating the world’s largest postal network, ensured the delivery of lifesaving medicines, COVID-19 test kits, N95 masks, ventilators, and medical equipment.

As of 8 July 2020, India Post facilitated:

• 13 crore transactions worth ₹2.59 lakh crore through Postal Savings Bank
• 5.36 crore transactions worth ₹13,000+ crore via India Post Payments Bank
• 1.63 crore AEPS transactions amounting to ₹3,249 crore

Vande Bharat Mission and Migrant Support

The Vande Bharat Mission, launched on 7 May 2020, brought relief to Indians stranded abroad due to the pandemic. The first flights landed in Kochi and Kozhikode from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, followed by large-scale repatriation efforts.

To support stranded migrant workers, Indian Railways operated Shramik Special Trains, accommodating up to 1,200 passengers per train while ensuring medical screening, social distancing, and provision of free meals and water.

Operation Samudra Setu: Naval Repatriation Effort

Operation Samudra Setu, launched on 5 May 2020, was undertaken by the Indian Navy to repatriate Indian citizens stranded overseas. Naval ships INS Jalashwa, Airavat, Shardul, and Magar sailed over 23,000 kilometres in a 55-day mission, successfully bringing back 3,992 Indian nationals.

The operation was conducted with rigorous medical and safety protocols in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, health authorities, and State Governments.

Impact of COVID-19

As of 8 July 2020, COVID-19 had affected over 11 million people in more than 200 countries, claiming over 0.5 million lives globally. In India, as of 10 July 2020, there were over 2.76 lakh active cases, with more than 21,000 lives lost to the pandemic.

Commemorative Tribute

In recognition of the extraordinary service rendered by these selfless individuals, Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of four Commemorative Postage Stamps and a Miniature Sheet as a tribute to the COVID-19 Warriors, who stood steadfast in the nation’s fight against the pandemic.