As many as 30 States and Union Territories have announced complete lockdown in view of Covid-19 outbreak. The lockdown covers 548 districts across the country.
Partial lockdowns have been imposed in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. 17 districts in Uttar Pradesh, 37 districts in Madhya Pradesh and 5 districts in Odisha have been put under the lockdown. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep has only imposed restrictions on certain activities so far.
Briefing media in New Delhi, Joint Secretary in Health and Family Welfare Ministry Lav Agarwal said, the Cabinet Secretary has asked the Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories to implement the restrictions strictly. Home Secretary also asked the Director Generals of Police of the States to impose restrictions in stricter manner.
As many as 424 active confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country so far. While 34 patients have been discharged. The death toll in COVID-19 has risen to 9 so far.
Mr Agarwal said, the main objective is to break the chain of transmission. He said, government is augmenting its health care capacities and states have been requested to prepare dedicated hospitals for treatment of Corona patients.
Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Balram Bhargav said, instructions have been issued to conduct COVID – 19 tests and 12 Private laboratories chains with 15 thousand collection centres have started testing.