COVID-19 onfirmed cases increase to 39 in country as 5 more from Kerala test postive

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : With five more patients testing positive, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India increased to 39 on March 8, 2020. Five new cases from Kerala were confirmed on March 8. They have travel history to Italy. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is continuously monitoring and reviewing the status, actions taken and future preparedness of States. Also, Secretary (HFW) is reviewing the situation with States/UTs on a regular basis. 

The Health Ministry has appealed to the people to observe the Dos and Don’ts, coughing etiquettes, hand-washing, and avoid large gatherings. The Government is keeping a close watch on the situation and a number of measures have been taken to contain the spread of COVID-19. Cabinet Secretary took the 16^th review meeting on March 8 and the preparations to bring Indian citizens from Iran, which are at an advance stage, were elaborately discussed.

Since the disease has spread over more than 90 countries with over 1 lakh cases worldwide, the States/ UTs have been asked to enhance community surveillance as per the list of passengers provided to the States/UTs. In view of rising cases from France, USA, Spain, it was decided to have dedicated aerobridges of these countries also in addition to the 12 countries, according to a PIB release.

It was also stressed that people need to be made aware about the use of mask with the following guidelines – If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection; Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing; Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water; If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.