979 confirmed Coronavirus cases including 25 deaths reported

As many as
106 fresh cases of COVID- 19 and six deaths have been reported from six states
in the last 24 hours.

Briefing
reporters in New Delhi today, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry, Lav
Aggarwal said, there are 979 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country
including 25 deaths till now. 

He said,
government has formed ten empowered groups to give guidance related to medical
emergency management, isolation beds and quarantine facility.

Mr. Aggrawal
said, the ongoing 21-day lockdown has resulted in some behavioural, mental
health issues and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences
has launched a toll-free number –  080-
46110007 — for consultation. On a query for specific blocks and hospitals for
COVID-19 patients, he said, the process to isolate them from other patients has
started.

Raman
Gangakhedkar, Head Scientist in Indian Council for Medical Research ,  said, around 35000 test have been conducted
till date. He said, 113 labs are functional and 47 private labs have been given
approval.

On the
occasion, Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry, Punya Salila Srivastava said,
employers must be instructed to give full wages to workers on the due date
without any deduction for the closed-down period and landlords cannot charge
rent for this period.

 She also said, the workers cannot be forced to
vacate the premises