COVID-19 cases in India reach 62

Demonstration on personal protective gear as a safety measure in view of COVID-19 was conducted by 12BN NDRF, Doimokh (Arunachal Pradesh) with representatives from Administration, Police, Assam Rifles, Medical team and Airport Authority at Dimapur Airport on March 11. (DIPR Photo)

New Delhi, March 11 (IANS): The number of novel coronavirus cases in India mounted to 62 as 12 new confirmed cases were reported on Tuesday.

"Among the new cases, eight were reported on Wednesday from Kerala and one each from Rajasthan and Delhi. The total cases in the country include three Kerala patients who have recovered and have been discharged from the hospital," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Wednesday.

In the evening, Mumbai went into high alert after two persons tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total afflicted in the state to seven, including five in Pune.

A flu like illness was first reported from Wuhan city of China in December last year which eventually turned into an outbreak. The novel coronavirus has affected over a 100 countries so far, with total number of cases crossing 1 lakh globally.

The World Health Organization has declared coronavirus (Covid-19) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Outside China, Italy and Iran are the worst hit countries.

The Indian government has so far evacuated 948 passengers from Covid-19 affected countries, including Iran, Italy, China and the Japanese Cruise Ship, Diamond Princess, stranded at the Port of Yokohama.

Out of these, 900 are Indian citizens and 48 belonging to different nationalities including from Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, the US, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru.

DoHFW conducts response training

DIMAPUR, MARCH 11 (MExN): The Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department today conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on dealing with COVID-19. 

A press release from the State Nodal Officer, IDSP, Dr Nyanthung Kikon informed that the training was attended by the District Level Trainers of all the districts, the armed forces and the Disaster Response Force. 

Principal Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Vizolie Z Suokhrie stressed on the need to have a preparedness and response plan in place at all the districts as a step up plan in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

He added that intensive awareness campaign will have to be carried out to communicate correct information to the people while dispelling myths, rumours, and to allay the fears of the people.

The Principal Director maintained that hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes remain the cornerstone in prevention and control of COVID19. 

Some of the topics covered in the training included infection prevention and control, environmental cleaning, disinfection and bio-medical waste management, clinical case management, risk communication & community engagement, hospital preparedness, and non-pharmaceutical interventions. 

Altogether, 81 participants attended the training programme.
 

KSU restricts entry of foreign 
and domestic tourists to Mon

DIMAPUR, MARCH 11 (MExN): The Konyak Students Union has decided to impose complete restriction on both foreign and domestic tourists entering Mon district in view of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 
A press release from the KSU President, Bumang Phaiba and General Secretary, Phoe Konyak informed that this decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the KSU on March 10. 
It therefore asked concerned law enforcing authorities and the district administration to strictly comply with the resolution and keep vigilance towards ensuring public safety by checking tourists entering Mon district, especially ahead of the upcoming Aoleang Festival. 
The union also appealed to the state government to take up preventive measures and precautions. The KSU meanwhile asked all medical staff at Mon district to be stationed at their respective places of posting. 
“Public are also advised to avoid travelling into other district/state/country during this critical situation,” it added.