Italian nationals being quarantined to guard against coronavirus fill up forms at ITBP’s quarantine facility in Chhawla near New Delhi, India. (Indo Tibetan Border Police Force via AP).
Amid the increasing coronavirus cases across the nation, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Wednesday assured that all landports and international borders have been well equipped with medical teams to screen all incoming passengers from neighbouring countries. The coronavirus cases in India stand at 28 including — 16 Italian tourists and their driver, three in Kerala (who have recovered), one in Hyderabad, one in Delhi and six of his relatives in Agra.
Earlier in the day, 17 Indians were tested positive for coronavirus abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. These include 16 cases from Japan on the cruise ship and one from the UAE.
PM Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Amit Shah earlier today said that he will not participate in the upcoming Holi Milan programmes. The samples of the six people who were in contact with the Delhi patient have been tested negative for coronavirus. Meanwhile, the rupee slid as much as 0.4 per cent to 73.6 per dollar earlier in the day becoming the worst-performing Asian currency, according to Bloomberg.
The government has ordered that all international passengers to the country will now have to submit self-declaration forms on arrival. They will have to provide contact details, travel history and possible contact with other people there. India has also suspended all regular visas and e-visas issued to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan issued on or before March 3 and have not entered India yet. Over 3,000 people have died of coronavirus worldwide, while some 90,000 people have been infected.
Doctors walk past the entrance of an isolation ward where people who returned from China are under observation at the Government Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad (AP)
The National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli canceled its Holi party scheduled to be held on March 10 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Holi party is an annual affair at NSCI which was last year attended by more than 5,000 people.
'Members please be informed that the Holi party on March 10 at NSCI is being cancelled as a precautionary measure against coronavirus,' said committee member Viren Shah in a statement.
When asked about the Holi celebration in Mumbai, Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner in-charge of the health department, said, 'I would suggest celebrate Holi in the traditional way. If one has traveled abroad recently and has constant fever, cough and cold, I would request them to get themselves checked at the separate OPD at Kasturba hospital.'
All landports have fully equipped medical teams present to screen all incoming passengers from neighbouring countries, the Home Ministry has said. Further, the MHA said full medical check-up points have been set up at international entry points at Petrapole and Agartala.
"Medical examination being conducted at Dera Baba Nanak, Attari entry points; full check-up and scanning at all landports," MHA said.
The coronavirus epidemic poses a "chicken threat" and will slow world's economic growth below the 2.9 per cent mark, lowest in last year, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said. The COVID-19 outbreak "is no longer regional issue, it is a global problem (that) calls for global response," Georgieva told reporters. (AFP)
Regulator Irdai has asked insurance companies to come out with policies to cover treatment costs for coronavirus infection. "For the purpose of meeting health insurance requirements of various sections, insurers are advised to design products covering the costs of treatment for coronavirus," the regulator said in a circular.
Israel has confirmed 15 coronavirus cases in all and ordered several thousand people into home quarantine after possible exposure.
An employee with a digital payment firm in Gurgaon has tested positive for coronavirus, the company issued a statement, advising its employees to work from home for the next couple of days. The infected employee recently returned from a vacation in Italy, one of the worst-hit countries from coronavirus, the statement said.
"One of our colleagues based out of Gurgaon office who recently returned from Italy post a vacation has sadly been tested positive for Coronavirus. He is receiving appropriate treatment. As a precautionary measure, we have suggested his team members to get health tests done immediately," a company spokesperson said.
Amid coronavirus scare, a Singapore-based engineer has been sent back by the district health department on Wednesday. Singapore national Tan Ki had come to Derabassi on a seven-day visa and had landed at the international airport on Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning, the health department received information that a Singapore national staying in a hotel was suffering from the deadly virus. Upon examination, it was found he was not suffering from coronavirus, however, he was asked to leave the country.
Online travel company MakeMyTrip said the outbound travel has taken a hit in bookings and there has been a spike in number of cancellations amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Travellers are being cautious in making their (outbound) travel plans," a MakeMyTrip spokesperson said.
"We do expect a potential impact on the overall business if the outbreak spreads westwards. Data on our platform indicates that flight bookings for Southeast Asian countries have been significantly impacted, however, countries in the westward region, including US and Europe, are seeing dip in numbers," the spokesperson said.
The CBSE has allowed students to carry masks and hand sanitiser during class 10 and 12 board exams, said CBSE secretary. Earlier in the evening, the HRD ministry had instructed all state chief secretaries and CBSE to spread awareness among students on basic protective measures against coronavirus.
Railway Ministry issued an advisory on Coronavirus as positive cases emerged in India. The advisory suggests IEC material regarding Covid-19 infection to be prominently displayed for awareness of general public, need for signages and separate counters being set up for fever cases. Railway staff would also be trained on prevention of the spread of virus and the statement added that in case any suspicious case is detected, it should be reported to the Railway Hospital.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday said it would increase the frequency of cleaning on its premises in view of the coronavirus outbreak. DMRC has also issued Do's and Dont's in both English and Hindi regarding the virus, PTI repported. It will also be run on digital screens at major stations like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Central Secretariat, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi. "Delhi Metro staff has been sensitised and guidelines have been circulated regarding Do's and Dont's to prevent the spread of coronavirus," it said.
All schools and universities have been shut in Italy amid the coronavirus outbreak. At least 79 people have died due to the virus.
Saudi Arabia has banned citizens and residents from performing the Muslim pilgrimage (Umrah) in Mecca over fears about the coronavirus. No time frame has been given for how long the suspension will stand. Last week, Saudi Arabia had put restrictions on the hajj to foreign pilgrims.
Higher Education secretary Amit Khare writes to all state chief secretaries & CBSE asking them to spread awareness among school students on basic protective measures against COVID-19. Preventive interventions such as frequent hand wash, respiratory etiquettes would help in reducing transmission of not only this disease but also a large number of another communicable disease, notably flu-like illness.
Top Chinese doctors treating coronavirus patients in Wuhan have advised their Indian counterparts to prepare plans, train medical staff and educate the public about wearing masks and washing of hands to contain the disease. 'China and India are the most important countries in Asia. We have some similarities like large population” with united families and similar medical system,' Qiao Jie, President of the Peking University Third Hospital who was drafted for controlling coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, said.
- Have enough medical staff ready to treat infections. Train medical staff.
- Prepare rooms to treat patients. Rooms should have high-power exhaust fans to ensure change airflow which is crucial for both the patients and medical staff.
- Doctors must educate and train the public to wear masks and basic sanitation like constant washing of hands to avoid contracting the disease.
- Prepare a plan involving all the concerned departments. 'Other departments such as police, transport etc also have to work together. That is the only way to control the epidemic not only in China but also in other countries,'Dr Du Bin, Director ICU, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and President of Chinese Association of Critical Care Patients, said.
President Ram Nath Kovind has announced to not hold Holi gatherings in Rashtrapati Bhawan in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. "With alertness and safeguards, we all can help contain the outbreak of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. In a precautionary measure, the Rashtrapati Bhavan will not hold the traditional Holi gatherings," the President said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had refused to participate in the upcoming Holi Milan programmes.
Tightening the noose on the possible carriers of coronavirus, 373 people who have travelled abroad since January 15 have been kept surveillance in Gautam Buddh Nagar.
"Till Tuesday evening, 373 people who have travelled abroad after January 15 have been put on surveillance. Of them, 55 people have been tested for the virus. 49 of them, including the six from yesterday, have tested negative. Results of remaining six are awaited," Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava told PTI.
Three schools in Delhi and adjoining areas have declared a holiday for students and staff as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, while two schools advanced their spring break and others sent out advisories to parents. The development comes after two new cases of coronavirus were reported in the country.
The World Health Organisation asked countries in its South-East Asia region to strengthen preparedness for all possible scenarios and ensure early containment measures. Five of the 11 countries in the region have confirmed coronavirus cases including — Thailand 43, India 28, Indonesia two and Sri Lanka and Nepal one each.
The risk of the new coronavirus is very high across the world and in WHO South-East Asia Region. More cases can be expectedDr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director of WHO South-East Asia Region said.
A European Union official working in the bloc's Brussels administration has tested positive for coronavirus, news agency AFP quoted a spokeswoman as saying. According to the Euractiv news site, the male official worked at the European Defence Agency and had recently returned from Italy.
Civil surgeon in Moga has written to the police, asking them to trace a patient who left hospital, refusing to give samples for testing, after showing coronavirus symptoms. He had recently returned from Dubai, says the letter. Police told to trace him immediately.
The death toll in Iran has risen to 92 as 15 new deaths have been reported amid 2,922 new coronavirus cases, according to AP. There are now over 3,140 cases of the new virus across the Mideast. A total of 586 new coronavirus cases were reported on Tuesday, the health ministry said.
'The virus has no wings to fly. We are the ones who transfer it to each other,' Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said.
India intends to set up a laboratory in Iran so that Indians there can be tested for possible exposure to coronavirus before being brought back, said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.
(Express photo: Amit Mehra)
Home Minister Amit Shah's public rally scheduled in Hyderabad, Telangana has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. State party chief K.Krishna Saagar Rao said this decision was taken to reduce the mass physical contact of people during the public rally.
In Hyderabad, a man had tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday and two suspected cases were reported today in the city.
The rupee has dipped as much as 0.4 per cent to 73.6 per dollar to become the worst-performing Asian currrency in the midst of a coronavirus outbreak. The currency had stayed relatively stable earlier in the absence of new virus cases in the country. Earlier in the day, 22 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country, taking the number to 28. READ MORE
Around 17 Indians have been infected with coronavirus abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. 16 cases from Japan on the Diamond Cruise and one from UAE have been reported infected. 119 Indians have been brought back to India from the cruise ship in Japan.
The Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that the government evacuated a total of 766 persons -- 723 Indian nationals and 43 foreigners -- from China.
President of Iran Rouhani said the coronavirus has affected almost all state provinces. Restoring faith in people, the President said the country will get through the coronavirus outbreak with the minimum number of deaths in the shortest period of time.
Iran has recorded the deadliest outbreak outside China, claiming 77 lives with over 2,300 people infected.
Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg said his social media platform is ensuring that people can access credible and accurate information relating to the coronavirus. "If you search for coronavirus on Facebook, you'll see a pop-up that directs you to the World Health Organization or your local health authority for the latest information. If you're in a country where the WHO has reported person-to-person transmission, you'll also see it in your News Feed," said Zuckerberg.
Zuckerberg said Facebook has joined hands with national ministries of health and organizations like the WHO, CDC and UNICEF to help them get out timely, accurate information on the coronavirus. "We're removing false claims and conspiracy theories that have been flagged by leading global health organizations. We're also blocking people from running ads that try to exploit the situation -- for example, claiming that their product can cure the disease," he said in a post on Facebook.
At least 215 people came in contact with he COVID-19 affected group of Italian tourists that had visited various places in Rajasthan, Health Minister Raghu Sharma informed the Assembly.
Swab samples of 93 people have been taken. And of them, 51 suspected patients have been tested negative whereas reports of 41 others are still pending, Sharma said. Fifty-three people in Jhunjhunu, 14 each in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, 44 in Bikaner, six in Udaipur and 76 people in Jaipur came in contact with the group.
The number of coronavirus cases increased in Germany to 240, up from 196, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said, according to Reuters. So far no fatal case has been reported in Germany.
Iraq confirms first death from novel coronavirus, news agency AFP reported. The 70-year-old Muslim cleric had been quarantined in the northeastern city of Sulaimaniyah before his death, a spokesman for the northern Kurdish autonomous region's health authority said.
According to local sources, as quoted by AFP, he had recently met with Iraqis returning from neighbouring Iran, which has recorded the deadliest outbreak outside China. So far, 31 cases of the virus have been reported in Iraq.
The virus can transmit itself via hand contact, especially if the infected person has coughed or sneezed into his own hands. As the number of people exposed to the virus goes up, and given the 14-day incubation period during which a person can stay asymptomatic but spread the disease, it may be better to use a hands-off greeting, such as a namaskar.
"A state-level task force has been constituted to control the situation arising due to coronaVirus. It will be chaired by me. It includes members from several agencies, departments & corporations. Each member has been assigned a role," CM Kejriwal said.
CM Arvind Kejriwal also announced that he will not celebrate Holi this year, due to coronavirus and Delhi violence. "I want to appeal to people to avoid crowded places. At schools, we are focussing on creating awareness."
"RML and Safdarjung are nodal hospitals. Currently, two labs in Delhi to test the virus. There is a need to spread awareness. We have sufficient N-95 masks. I hope that we will be able to control the virus just like we did on Dengue," CM Kejriwal said. He also said that he will look into reports of black marketing of masks and sanitisers. A government official also added that the places where the Italian tourists stayed are being cleaned well
'RML and Safdarjung are nodal hospitals. Currently, two labs in Delhi to test the virus. There is a need to spread awareness. We have sufficient N-95 masks. I hope that we will be able to control the virus just like we did on Dengue,' CM Kejriwal said. He also said that he will look into reports of black marketing of masks and sanitisers. A government official also added that the places where the Italian tourists stayed are being cleaned well
Talking about the coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Chief Minister said that there is an urgent need to contain the virus. "We have reached out to 88 people who had come in contact with the Delhi patient. Their screening and testing are underway. At the airports, thermal scanning has been set up and over 1.16 passengers have been screened. Municipal corporations are contacting tourists in hotels, guest houses. Suspected patients are being treated at the RML Hospital."
Gujarat Health Department on Wednesday said none of the 1,582 people kept under observation after returning from coronavirus-hit countries has so far been found to be infected by the potentially deadly virus. Elaborate arrangements have been made to deal with any situation arising out of the outbreak of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, it said. "A total of 1,582 people, who came from countries which are having the outbreak of coronavirus, have been kept under house observation in Gujarat but so far we do not have any positive case in the state," health commissioner Jai Prakash Shivhare told reporters here. Out of the 1,582 people, 25 were tested for COVID-19 and all of them have tested negative, he said. (PTI)
Here are some basic tips to keep you safe
" If people are taking advantage and misusing this time, then they should be labeled as "black sheep" and a mechanism to punish them should be implemented," Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said on the surge of prices of masks, sanitisers in India.
Hand sanitisers are effective in controlling the infection, provided they are alcohol-based and the alcohol content is more than 60%. The US Centers for Disease Control “recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.” Hand-washing, though, remains the first and best step, preferably with warm water.
Only if someone among the party’s guests or hosts has a history of exposure to an infected person, or a history of travel to a country where cases have been reported, is it advisable to avoid throwing or attending a party. The same holds for passengers on public transport. If there is no such history, there is no bar on gatherings or public transport at the current moment. At the same time, it is of paramount importance to maintain basic coughing and sneezing etiquette, and to repeatedly wash or sanitise hands.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan also said that so far, 5,89,000 people have been screened at airports, over 10 lakh screened at borders with Nepal and around 27,000 were currently under community surveillance
Minister Vardhan said if the Iranian government lent its support, a testing facility could be set up there as well. This will help bring back Indian citizens from Iran after a thorough screening. He also said that so far, 5,89,000 people have been screened at airports, over 10 lakh screened at borders with Nepal and around 27,000 were currently under community surveillance
The Reserve Bank of India Tuesday said it was ready to take appropriate action to ensure orderly functioning of the financial markets, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, which poses the biggest threat to the global economy since the 2008 financial crisis. Its comments came after a meeting between the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers and central bankers — it comprises the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada.
“The RBI is monitoring global and domestic developments closely and continuously and stands ready to take appropriate actions to ensure orderly functioning of financial markets, maintain market confidence and preserve financial stability,” the RBI said.
The US’ central bank cut the benchmark interest rate by half-point in response to the coronavirus impact. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powerll said the central bank will “use our tools” to support the economy. Last week, the Dow plunged 14 per cent, its worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.
Poland has confirmed its first coronavirus infection, Poland's Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said on Wednesday. Szumowski said the sick man is in hospital in Zielona Gora, western Poland, and that his condition is good.
The Telangana government says it has decided to undertake various measures, including a campaign to promote cleanliness in public transport, to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus. Odisha government issues dos and donts asking people to avoid hugging, shaking hands while greeting and keeping their workplace clean to ward off novel Coronavirus infection
"Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, I've decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal to everyone to avoid public gatherings and take good care of yourself and your family," Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
Two new suspected coronavirus cases have been reported in Hyderabad. Both tested positive in the first round of testing at Gandhi Hospital and their swab samples have been sent for a second round of testing to National Insitute of Virology, Pune. Officials said that of the two new suspected cases, one person had recently travelled to Italy. The second person had travelled with the 24-year-old techie who tested positive on Sunday. The Raheja Mindspace, where one of the suspected patients worked, has been evacuated and employees have been asked to work from home.
Meanwhile, a techie from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh was admitted to the Kakinada Government Hospital with suspected symptoms of coronavirus. He had recently returned from South Korea. As he was suffering from cough and high fever he got himself admitted at the hospital and has been kept under isolated observation. His blood samples are being sent to Gandhi Hospital at Hyderabad for testing.
Addressing the media, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the number of confirmed cases in India stand at 28 now. Here's the breakdown
in Agra
Sixteen Italian tourists have been infected with the coronavirus. "They had come as tourists much before passengers from Italy were being screened in India. One of the men was confirmed as a positive case in Rajasthan and he spread it to his wife. Apart from these two, the rest 14 have been also been infected," Dr Harsh Vardhan added. The Indian driver who was with them has also tested positive.
"Anyone coming to India will be screened on arrivals. A high-level meeting has been called today at 3 pm. We have requested all hospitals in Delhi to develop good quality isolation wards, in order to stay prepared if more cases of coronavirus are suspected in the national capital," the health minister added
Addressing the media on Coronavirus outbreak in India, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the Centre is in constant touch with the authorities in Delhi to contain the virus. "Centre is taking all steps to tackle the virus. We have briefed the authorities about the cluster approach to contain the spread of the infection. Health experts are also visiting all states to assess the preparation. The government is putting in all measures to spread awareness of the virus."
Hyderabad is also on high-alert after a positive case was admitted at Gandhi Hospital. Public places are being sanitised in order to contain the spread.
Just like Prime Minister Modi, BJP president JP Nadda has also decided to skip the Holi celebrations. "The world is battling COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus. The countries & medical fraternity are jointly making efforts to contain its spread. Keeping this in mind, this year, I will neither celebrate Holi nor organise Holi Milan. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy," he tweeted.
Masks are effective in containing the spread of infection. Any person with a history of travel to affected areas or of contact with infected persons, and showing symptoms of the disease, should use a mask. It is also important for medical staff to use masks.
For the general population, it is not essential to use masks at the current moment. In fact, masks come with their own hazards. For a person with an existing medical condition, wearing a mask may inadvertently complicate the situation. Many experts have noted that people may wear a mask incorrectly, and they can increase the risk of infection by touching their face more often.
In Karnataka, measures have been stepped up after a confirmed case was reported in neighbouring Telangana. Authorities have sent a circular to all the divisions to ensure better sanitation practices are followed in order to contain the spread of the virus
Amravati MP Navneet Kaur reached Parliament today wearing a mask. Since the detection of a case in Delhi, pharmacies in the area reported an increase in demand of hand sanitisers and face masks. Chemists said the demand peaked by Tuesday afternoon, with many unable to meet it. But are they really helpful? Find out here. (Express Photo/Tashi Tobgyal)
Online retailer Amazon.com Inc also confirmed that an employee in the United States tested positive for the coronavirus. Earlier two employees in Milan, Italy, had been infected with the virus and were under quarantine.
Ahead of the festival of Holi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to skip the celebrations to avoid mass gathering. "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme," PM Modi tweeted. Yesterday, the prime minister had asked citizens not to panic as a surge in the number of cases in India was reported.