Coronavirus outbreak: Delhi resident tests positive, total cases in India rise to 31
New Delhi/IBNS: With a Delhi resident testing positive for COVID-19, the total number of cases related to deadly novel Coronavirus touched 31 on Friday.
The Delhi resident has a travel history of Thailand and Malaysia.
The 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.
However, three infected people from Kerala have recovered.
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan 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.
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."
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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