/connect-gujarat-english/media/post_banners/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/dfdfdf-1.jpg)
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.