Coronavirus cases hit 31; avoid mass gatherings, urges Centre
25,000 still under observation; government asks states to form rapid response teams; army to establish quarantine facilities for 1,500; Mahan Air to fly back stranded Iranians
The confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus rose to 31 in India on Friday, even as nearly 25,000 people remained in quarantine.
A man from Delhi, who had recently travelled to Thailand and Malaysia, tested positive on Friday.
The government has asked states to form rapid response teams at district, block and village levels. As a precaution, all departments have been advised to avoid large gatherings since the risk of spread is higher in such situations.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed till the disease spread is contained. “In the case of any such gatherings, states may take necessary action to guide organisers on precautions to be taken,” it said.
Parliament will restrict the movement and entry of visitors, it was announced. Once the House reconvenes after the Holi break on March 11, MPS will not be allowed to meet visitors inside the Parliament.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army on Friday joined in organising precautions. All Central armed police forces have cancelled their “Holi Milan” programmes as a preventive measure.
The Army said that as advised by the government, Indian Army headquarters has issued detailed instructions with respect to preparations and emergency response in tackling the COVID-19 virus.
“Local military authorities will exercise suitable control to avoid or postpone all non-essential mass gatherings till the situation improves,” a statement from the Army said. “Regular health information, education and counselling activities are to be carried out at all military stations.” The Army will establish quarantine facilities for 1,500 personnel across the country.
Tentative locations identified are Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Secundrabad, Chennai and Kolkata. “Military hospitals will establish isolation wards and have separate out-patient departments for screening of symptomatic cases to prevent avoidable transmission.
“Service hospitals will work in synergy with local civil medical authorities and designated Indian Council of Medical Research labs.” The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has postponed celebration of Raising Day as well which was to be held next week. The Beating Retreat ceremony at the Attari-wagah border in Punjab will be conducted without public presence due to coronavirus, the Border Security Force said. The precautionary measure will be effective from Saturday.
The Border Security Force (BSF) will continue performing the ceremonial duty of lowering the flag and other drills, a spokesperson of the border guarding force said. “As per government guidelines, congregations are to be avoided. Hence visitors and spectators to the ceremony will not be entertained. The ceremony will be conducted without spectators,” he said. Government has expanded thermal screening to nine more airports, besides the existing 21, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Initially, the thermal screening started in seven airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.
The ministry said Iranian carrier Mahan Air will bring blood samples of nearly 300 Indians stranded in Iran and while returning, it will fly back Iranian nationals stranded in India.
The ferry flight will land within 24 hours in Delhi.
The University Grants Commission has asked universities to avoid any large gathering in view of the coronavirus outbreak and advised that students and staff members with travel history to the virus-affected countries be quarantined at home for 14 days.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said anganwadis have been closed in view of the coronavirus scare. The government child-care centres have been closed from Friday, he added.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi has asked chief ministers of party-ruled states to ensure an effective response, preparedness measures for tackling coronavirus. “Consider awareness campaigns, helplines, advisories to avoid public gatherings in view of COVID-19,” Sonia wrote to the CMS. She also urged them to set up quarantine facilities urgently in their states, adding that public healthcare responders should receive all support to carry out their duties effectively. “Protocols for contact identification must be put in place,” she said.