Govt deputes 30 joint secys, other officers to assist states

New Delhi, March 17: The Centre on Tuesday deputed 30 officers in the rank of joint secretary and above to states so that they can effectively deal with the outbreak of coronavirus.

The move comes after 137 people so far tested positive and three persons died of the outbreak.

“The Government of India deputes 30 officers of joint secretary and above level, to assist state governments in effective management of #COVID19india,” an official spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet secretary held a review meeting of officials concerned from various ministries and departments here on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the secretary emphasised on the implementation of social distancing measures as detailed by guidelines of ministry of health, an official statement said.

“Social distancing would have a major impact in limiting the spread of the disease,” he said as he reviewed the preparedness of various states for quarantine facilities, hospital management and awareness campaigns. notify such person(s) with COVID-19 affected person to concerned district surveillance unit. All practitioners shall also get the self-declaration forms (enclosed), who, within their knowledge, are having travel history of COVID-19 affected countries as per the guidelines and are falling under the case definition of Covid19,” the guideline said.

“In case the person has any such history in the last 14 days and is symptomatic as per case definition of COVID-19, the person must be isolated.”