Confronted with new challenges: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan as 29 Coronavirus cases found in India
New Delhi/IBNS: As 29 people in India are infected by the deadly novel Coronavirus, Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said the country was confronted with new challenges, media reports said.
While briefing Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, Dr. Vardhan said, "We're confronted with new challenges... We have started a containment facility in Agra."
"We are particularly concerned about Indian pilgrims and students stranded in Iran (where the coronavirus cases are high). The Indian government is following up with Iran on their condition."
"The WHO (World Health Organisation) has termed this outbreak as a crucial concern. Though it has not declared it pandemic, it has asked countries to remain alert. Once the person is exposed to the virus, the disease might be infected within one to 14 days. In our country, 29 positive cases have been reported as of March 4."
The 29 confirmed cases of Coronavirus include 15 Italian nationals who had come for holidaying in Rajasthan, their Indian driver, a Delhi-based man who went to Vienna and his six family members in Agra, one person in Hyderabad who had travelled to Dubai on an assignment.
An employee of e-wallet company Paytm has tested positive.
The company has already shut its Gurgaon office asking its employees to work from home.
The Health Minister on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is regularly monitoring the situation.
A group of ministers has been constituted to monitor the situation, he added.
Dr. Vardhan a day ago said all international passengers will be screened at the airports instead of the ones coming from earlier specified 12 countries.
Congress Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad in the House said the government must tell people not to panic.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other Ministers have already stated that they will not participate in the Holi celebrations amid the Coronavirus scare.
President Kovind tweeted, "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."
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 4, 2020
Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "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."
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2020
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family."
Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 4, 2020
I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family.
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