Coronavirus Cases Touches 73 In India, Delhi & Kerala In Quarantine: How Prepared Are We?

As coronavirus cases mount in India, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that all schools, colleges and cinema halls will remain shut in Delhi till March 31. So far, six cases of coronavirus have been reported from Delhi.

The mother of a 46-year-old man, who tested positive for novel coronavirus, has also been detected with the virus, making her the sixth patient in the national capital, officials said.

AFP

The woman is aged 69 years and is admitted to RML Hospital. Her son has a history of travel to Japan, Geneva and Italy. They are residents of West Delhi's Janakpuri. Eight other members of their family were found to be asymptomatic.

Kashmir University also announced today the suspension of all classes for the rest of March as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease.

"It is notified for the information of all concerned that the classwork at the University of Kashmir including its main campus and all other satellite campuses shall remain suspended with effect from March 12, 2020 to March 31, 2020 as a precautionary measure in view of the pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus)," a varsity spokesperson said.

The move comes a day after the Jammu and Kashmir administration shut down all schools, colleges and private tuition centres in view of the rising number of positive cases of coronavirus in the country.

AP

In Kerala, where most number of coronavirus cases have been reported, massive preparations are underway to counter the novel virus.

It is also the only state which has so far managed to get three confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19) patients recover and discharged from hospitals.

According to the state government's announcement, there will be restrictions on gatherings and public programmes by the government until the end of this month. Additionally, classes for all students including state syllabus, CBSE and ICSE up to class 7 have been suspended, and only exams can go ahead as per schedule, all colleges, except medical colleges, will also remain shut.

The same is applicable for tuition classes, and exam coaching classes. Madrassa and anganwadis will also remain closed during the same period. However, the government said that the mid-day meals for Anganwadi students will be made available at their homes.

AFP

Another step the Kerala government has taken in view of the restrictions is to improve the broadband networks in the state. "Since a lot more people will be at homes, under isolation or will be working from home, the internet usage will be high. Keeping this in mind we will improve the bandwidth and quality of broadband internet in the state," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Amid the outbreak, India has imposed restrictions on foreigners visiting the country.

The Indian government has issued an advisory asking all Indians to refrain from non essential travel abroad.

afp

India imposed stringent travel curbs to the country as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic with more than 118,000 confirmed cases and 4,291 deaths in 114 countries.

The government late on Wednesday suspended ¡°all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment, project visas¡± until April 15. The visa free travel facility for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holders has been suspended until the same date. The curbs go into effect at 1200 GMT on March 13 at the port of departure.