Coronavirus: Army to establish quarantine centres for 1,500 personnel
The Indian Army will establish quarantine facilities for 1,500 personnel in several locations in the country in view of the deadly coronavirus that has claimed over 3,000 lives so far across the world. At least 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country till Friday morning.
The Indian Army will establish quarantine facilities for 1,500 personnel in several locations in the country in view of the deadly coronavirus that has claimed over 3,000 lives so far across the world. At least 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country till Friday (March 6) morning.
The tentative locations where these quarantine facilities will be built include Jaisalmer, Suratgarh, Secunderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, reported news agency ANI. The facilities will be set up as part of the central government’s overall effort to contain the epidemic.
“In consonance with the various advisories issued by the government, the Indian Army headquarters has issued detailed instructions with respect to preparations and emergency response in tackling the COVID-19 virus,” the report said quoting the Indian Army.
The Indian Army said isolation wards and separated OPDs will be established in military hospitals 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,” it said.
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Meanwhile, the central government has also asked people not to pay attention to rumours that novel coronavirus was spreading through non-vegetarian food like eggs, chicken, mutton and seafood.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh said even the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as well as the Indian food safety regulator, FSSAI, have said there was no scientific evidence to prove transmission of coronavirus from animals to humans.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India rose to 31 on Friday after a man from Delhi, who had a travel history to Thailand and Malaysia, tested positive for the infection. The latest case is the third in the national capital.
The 30 other cases include 16 members of a tourist group from Italy and their Indian guide who have been found infected by the virus.
(With inputs from agencies)
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