New Delhi: With five more cases of patients testing positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing positive — all from Kerala — there were 39 confirmed cases in the country.
As five new cases were confirmed on Sunday in Kerala, all having a travel history to Italy, India decided to have dedicated aerobridges of passengers from three more countries, in addition to the 12 countries already announced in view of rising cases from the three countries.
The Government, which is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation, at the 16th review meeting taken by the Cabinet Secretary, discussed preparations to bring Indian citizens from Iran, which are in an advanced stage.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan is continuously monitoring and reviewing the status, actions taken and future preparedness of States. Also, Secretary (HFW) is reviewing the situation with States/UTs on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry appealed to the people to observe the Dos and Don’ts, coughing etiquette, hand-washing and avoid large gatherings.
India on Sunday decided to have dedicated aerobridges of three more countries in addition to the 12 countries already announced and discussed detailed plans to bring Indian citizens from Iran.
It clarified on the need to wear a mask, stating that if one was healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
“Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water,” an official statement said.
