Cinemas shut, PM’s appeal: India steps up coronavirus fight

With visa restrictions in place, cinema halls being shut, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Indian citizens to avoid non-essential travel, the country is witnessing a multi-fold precautionary approach to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection.

The prime minister’s appeal comes at a time when 73 persons, including 56 Indians and 17 foreigners, have already tested positive for the recently discovered coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in the country.

Besides, in view of the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs is of the opinion that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should also be postponed.

In their bid to contain the coronavirus, several countries are opting for “social distancing” by cancelling events and gatherings, and urging people to stay indoors. Here’s how India is ensuring precaution from the deadly infection:

Modi says avoid gatherings

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday urged people not to panic, and rather ensure precautionary steps to battle the coronavirus outbreak. Taking to Twitter, he appealed to people to avoid mass gatherings and break the chain of COVID-19.

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Last week, he had announced he would not participate in Holi festivities to avoid mass gathering, and this was followed by similar decisions by President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The prime minister has also assured people that his government is working at various levels and no stone is being left unturned to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Early end for Budget session?

Parliamentarians from various parties have suggested that the ongoing Budget session may be ended before its scheduled time as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19.

While no such decision has been taken for curtailing the duration of the Budget session, members of both the Houses are wary of working through the weekend to complete the business at hand.

Meanwhile, a Rajya Sabha member has even promised to get sanitisers for all members of the Upper House since there’s a shortage in supply of the item.

Cinema halls shut

In national capital Delhi, cinema halls have been ordered to shut their doors till the end of this month. Schools and colleges will also remain shut except in those where exams are on, the ruling AAP said in a tweet.

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Avoiding gathering and ordering lockdowns seems to be the strategy that is being followed worldwide as reports of empty airports and idle aircraft are indicating heightened panic. Apart from washing hands with soap or using sanitisers, the government is emphasising on avoiding human contact.

Medical facilities under scanner

Whether available medical facilities are adequate to manage the treatment and screening of suspected carriers of coronavirus is the big question now as the number of confirmed cases in India is rapidly increasing towards the three digit mark.

Under the watch of the Prime Minister’s Office, the health ministry and other departments are pushing for more precautionary measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

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