As a precautionary measure to contain the deadly coronavirus, the Centre has now taken the decision to shut down all educational institutions including schools and colleges, museums, swimming pools and theatres till 31st March. State governments have been given advisories by the Centre for its implementation. Students have been urged to stay at home. The number of coronavirus cases in India has currently jumped up to 124, as fresh cases have been reported from Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Kerala.
What’s In It?
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated to the media in New Delhi that preventive measures to control the spread of Covid-19 in India have been reviewed and discussed by a committee of secretaries chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. He revealed that a decision to adopt social distancing as a preventive measure for the virus has been taken based on the recommendations of the Committee of Group of Ministers in its 7th meeting.
Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry on #Coronavirus: Important measures including closing of schools, swimming pools, malls, allow employees to work from home,less use of public transport, 1 meter distance between people should be maintained till 31st March. pic.twitter.com/Bk08PfhvHZ
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2020
Mr Agarwal stated that non-essential travel must be avoided at all costs and private employers must give their employees work from home facilities. The Health Minister has issued a toll-free number 1075 for public enquiry about coronavirus. This briefing was attended by Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Anil Malik, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and Raman R, Head Scientist, ICMR.
Also Read: Nightclubs, Gyms And Spas TO BE SHUT In Delhi Till March 31 To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
What’s More?
In the capital, New Delhi the government announced the closure of all gyms, nightclubs, spas till 31st March to contain the virus. Gatherings of more than 50 people have also been prohibited. The government of Karnataka has shut down malls, theatres, pubs, schools and colleges for a week. And in Maharashtra, swimming pools, gyms have been shut down in 5 districts until further notice. Social events like weddings, engagement and other family gatherings have all been urged to keep on hold until further notice in many states. In fact, India’s largest sports body BCCI has shut down its headquarters in Mumbai and advised employees to work from home. IPL Season 13 has been postponed too. And now with this, all India shut down of schools, colleges and gyms till 31st March, its definitely the needs of the hour that we stay at home and take care of our health. Did you know Zomato & Swiggy To Provide Contactless Food Delivery Service Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak?