Coronavirus Case: An employee of payments firm Paytm has tested positive for virus. (File)
India is responding to the novel Coronavirus outbreak in full force. The government has asked people who show symptoms of the coronavirus to either stay in isolation or contact health professionals for quarantine. An employee of payments firm Paytm has tested positive for coronavirus, pushing the e-wallet company to shut its Gurgaon office for two days. This is the 29th case that tested positive in India.
The figures took a leap after a group of 15 Italian tourists tested positive for the disease over the last 24 hours. An Indian driver, who was travelling with them, has also tested positive. The government on Wednesday said it has started screening passengers on all incoming flights from abroad.
Here are the LIVE updates on Coronavirus outbreak:
Number of coronavirus cases in India rises to 30
A man was today found infected by the virus, taking the number of positive cases in India to 30.
Government should make public an action plan: Rahul Gandhi
"The Health Minister saying that the Indian Govt has the coronavirus crisis under control, is like the Capt of the Titanic telling passengers not to panic as his ship was unsinkable," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has tweeted.
"It's time the Govt made public an action plan backed by solid resources to tackle this crisis," he says.
Lucknow District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash says: "Sale of meat, semi-cooked meat and fish has been banned in open areas in the district to ensure that Coronavirus does not transmit through meat. Hotels and restaurants have been asked to ensure cleanliness and hygiene."
S Jaishankar Gives update for Indians stranded in Iran
External affairs minister S Jaishankar gives an update for Indians stranded in Iran and for their families:
"Our medical team for screening arrives in Iran today. Hope to establish first clinic at Qom by this evening. Screening process will start immediately thereafter. Working on logistics of return with Iranian authorities."
Only one virology institute: DMK leader
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi in Lok Sabha says: "There is only one virology institute in Pune. It is not enough. We should have this institute in different zones of the country."
Rahul Gandhi must get tested for coronavirus: BJP leader
Rahul Gandhi must get tested for coronavirus as he has just returned from Italy and may end up spreading it, a BJP MP said in parliament today.
Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP MP from Delhi, said in Lok Sabha that "many people from Italy" had tested positive for the virus.
"Rahul Gandhi returned from Italy just six days ago, so he should be checked for coronavirus," Mr Bidhuri said in the house.
Centre should tell people not to panic: Ghulam Nabi Azad
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad says the centre should tell people not to panic.
"Everywhere we go, markets, shops, and even at home people and family members are warning don't eat certain things, don't touch certain things... The main message the government must give is 'don't panic'," Mr Azad says.
Started a containment facility in Agra: Health Minister
The Indian Embassy and officials are in regular contact with the Indian community in China and is keeping a constant track of their well-being, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan says in Rajya Sabha.
"We're confronted with new challenges... We have started a containment facility in Agra," the Health Minister said. "We are particularly concerned about Indian pilgrims and students stranded in Iran (where the coronavirus cases are high). The Indian government is following up with Iran on their condition," Harsh Vardhan said.
Reviewing the situation daily: Health Minister
"I am daily reviewing the situation. A group of ministers is also monitoring the situation," says Harsh Vardhan.
"As on March 4, a total of 28,529 people were brought under community surveillance and are being monitored."
Union health minister Harsh Vardhan says Indians are advised not to travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, and other affected countries.
"Directions have been issued for universal screening of all international passengers. Sign boards have been placed and in-flight announcements are being made," he says.
WHO has asked the countries to remain prepared: Health Minister
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan talks about coronavirus in the parliament.
"WHO has asked the countries to remain prepared... A total of 29 cases were reported in India till March 4."
"India initiated required preparedness and action since January 17, much before the advice of the WHO," he adds.
Paytm asks staff to work from home
Paytm, in a statement, said the coronavirus-infected staffer has recently returned from Italy, the worst-hit nation in Europe. The company has advised its employees to work from home for the next two days, the statement added.
Lufthansa grounds 150 aircraft
On Wednesday, German airline Lufthansa decided to ground 150 of its 750 aircraft and slash its flight plan by 25 per cent.
Passengers of international flights to undergo screening
All passengers of international flights will have to undergo screening, and not just from the 12 countries listed earlier, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said.
More than 5 lakh people have already been screened. Elsewhere, the outbreak continues unabated.
