The number of confirmed coronavirus in India has risen to 50, with sharp increase in cases in Kerala over the last few days.
Kerala state health minister KK Shailaja had said people who are hiding their travel history would be considered a crime. “According to Public Health Act, people hiding their travel history, that leads to lead to spreading of the infectious disease, is a crime,” she added.
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday called up Health Ministers of Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh as well as Lt. Governors of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir to ascertain the health status of the COVID-19 affected patients kept in isolation centres in hospitals.
While monitoring the COVID-19 situation from his office in Health Ministry, Dr Harsh Vardhan also spoke to a few patients through Video Calls to enquire about their health and their satisfaction with the treatment being given at the isolation wards. While speaking to the patients, he conveyed that though he wanted to visit them personally, he was dissuaded by the hospital authorities for the visit as they felt that such a visit may hinder regular treatment arrangements for the patients. The patients expressed their satisfaction with the treatment being given to them as well as their excitement about their fast recovery. They also appreciated the role of the Government for the timely assistance offered to them and about regular review of their status thrice a day.
Dr Harsh Vardhan exhorted the Health Ministers and LGs to continue keeping an eagle’s eye on the status of patients as well as the emerging situation. He also urged them to spread awareness about COVID-19 amongst the general public and persuade them to avoid crowded gatherings as well as follow basic principles of personal hygiene and prevention that have been widely propagated by the Government of India in its various advisories through all means of communication. Union Minister assured full support to the State Health Ministers and the LGs about taking care of any urgent requirement of the States/UTs to combat the spread of the disease.
The coronavirus death toll on mainland China climbed to 3,158, while the total number of cases hit 80,778
British MP Nadine Dorries, a minister in the health department, has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating, she said on Tuesday,
“Thanks for so many good wishes. It’s been pretty rubbish but I hope I’m over the worst of it now. More worried about my 84yo mum who is staying with me and began with the cough today. She is being tested tomorrow. Keep safe and keep washing those hands, everyone,” Dorries tweeted.
