Coronavirus hits Delhi: Two new cases detected in national capital and Telangana

New Delhi: The govt on Monday decided to expand the universal screening of passengers, after India reported two more positive cases of the novel coronavirus — one in New Delhi and the other in Telangana.

The person from Delhi had travelled to Italy, the health ministry said, adding that the other person with the coronavirus infection has a history of travel to Dubai.

The ministry of health in an update said, “One positive case of Covid-19 has been detected in New Delhi, and one has been detected in Telangana. Both the patients are stable and being closely monitored.”

While screening continues at the airports, another passenger who landed in Jaipur was put in isolation after he showed symptoms of Covid-19.

He had tested negative, though in second testing, he tested positive. His samples have been sent again for testing since two different results were found.



In the light of new cases emerging, the government expanded the universal screening of passengers on flights from Italy and Iran besides the flights from China, Hong Kong, Japan, south Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. “All airlines shall make in flight announcements on flights coming from these countries and ensure strict compliance,” said the order dated March 2 by Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

A group of ministers (GoM) held a meeting on Monday as fears mount. The health minister said that there is a likelihood of suspending more travel visas depending on the situation. The Indian government has already suspended travel to China and Iran. The minister further advised that Indians avoid non-essential travel to Italy, Korea and Singapore.

According to health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, passengers from 12 nations are being screened currently at 21 airports, and 12 major and 35 minor seaports.

The minister also said that all joint secretaries in the ministry of health are assigned to assess the preparedness of states for Covid-19. In addition, more than 3,695 gram sabha meetings have been conducted in 21 border districts in Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim. As of now 10, 24,922 persons have been screened at the Nepal border. He further stated that the personal protection equipment (PPE), N95 masks et al, are available in adequate quantity.

The deadly coronavirus, which has spread to more than 70 countries has so far killed over 3,000 people, infecting almost 90,000 since it first got detected in Wuhan in China in December.

While Australia and the US reported their first deaths on Sunday, Iran reported 66, Italy 34 and South Korea 22 deaths.

China, the epicentre of the outbreak, on Monday reported 42 new fatalities from the deadly virus, taking the toll in that country to 2,912, China National Health commission said.

Ficci president Dr Sangita Reddy said collecive aciton can help India brce for the likely impact of Covid-19.


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