After Haryana And Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Declares Coronavirus As Epidemic; All Schools, Colleges Shut Till March 22

After Haryana and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh has become third state in the country to declare coronavirus as an epidemic. Invoking the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, the Yogi Adityanath government has announced slew of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Under the stringent measures that have come in force with immediate effect, all schools and colleges have been closed till March 22. “We will review the situation on March 22 and will take a decision whether to extend it or not,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said after the key meet in Lucknow. So far, 12 confirmed cases have been reports from Uttar Pradesh. On Friday, Noida recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19. (Coronavirus Live Updates)

The UP chief minister has clarified that COVID-19 has not been termed as pandemic in state but some powers under the Epidemic Act have been given to departments to deal with proper management of patients. Schools have already been closed in Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi. “Seven people in Agra, two in Ghaziabad and one each in Noida and Lucknow have tested positive for coronavirus,” Adityanath said. “11 coronavirus cases have been reported from Uttar Pradesh. 10 are being treated in Delhi, one in KGMU, Lucknow,” the chief minister added. “The ongoing examinations will continue but the examinations which have not commenced yet have been postponed,” he added. About securing the border areas, Yogi Adityanath said that, “thermal analysers are installed at all entry points on border with Nepal.”

“All 75 districts on alert. 820 beds ready in district hospitals. 438 beds ready for isolation wards in 24 medical colleges…state has already issued an advisory in the past. Precautionary measures have been taken, situation under control,” CM Yogi said. “Those who are not in anyway suffering from COVID-19 must not use masks as it creates panic,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, aviation watchdog DGCA has asked international airlines to consider waiving ticket cancellation and reschedule charges or look at providing any other incentive, amid coronavirus outbreak. "In light of hardship faced by passengers, airlines may like to consider and take an appropriate call, accordingly," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular. The circular, dated March 12, has been addressed to all scheduled international airlines operating to/from India. "In the current scenario, it would be appropriate if airlines support their passenger in this tough time by waiving off cancellation/reschedule charges or by providing any other incentive," it said.

(With agency inputs)