From closure of abode of Gods like Siddhivinayak and Tuljabhavani temples and ASI-protected monuments and Central museums besides tourist hotspots Ajanta and Ellora Caves, sanctuaries and national parks to shutting down of malls, schools and colleges,both the States and the Centres have decided to expand the ambit of the social distancing in view of the threat from the rapidly spreading coronavirus (Covid-19).
The Union Health Ministry said four new coronavirus cases- one each from Odisha,Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Kerala, have been reported, taking the total number of cases to 114. The 'contact tracing activity' of these positive cases has led to identification ofmore than 5,200 contacts, who are kept under surveillance, it added. These cases include 1discharged, three cured and two reported deaths.
On his part, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mondaysaid there has been a coordinated response to the coronavirus outbreak and asserted that "no stone is being left.
unturned" to ensure people are healthy. Modi also hailed the contribution of doctors, nurses and healthcare workers in fighting the virus and said the country will always cherish their contribution."The Group of Ministers has proposed several preventive steps such as social distancing to contain COVID-19 in the country and will be in force till March 31st, 2020. The important measures include closure of all educational establishments(schools, universities etc), gyms,museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres. Students should be advised to stay at home while online education to be promoted," Union Health Ministry.
Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal told reporters here on Monday after the Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting.The GoM has also suggested people to avoid non-essential travel by buses, trains and flights to maximise social distancing in public transport besides ensuring regular and proper disinfection of surfaces.