Coronavirus Notified As 'Disaster' By Modi Government

The Narendra Modi government on Saturday decided to treat COVID-19 as a notified ‘disaster’ in a bid to provide much-needed relief under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). As of now, 83 confirmed cases have been reported across India. Two deaths due to Covid-19 have also been registered in the country. Additionally, movement of foreigners via land borders have also been restricted. No visa is being issued till April 15. (Coronavirus Live Updates)

The Modi government has taken several measure to combat coronavirus. On Friday, the Centre had declared masks and hand sanitiser as essential commodities in the country. With this, companies will need to step up production of these products, enable a smooth supply chain while also ensuring sale of both the items at MRP. There have been several cases of black-marketing of these products. Meanwhile, several Indian states have announced partial shutdown that include closure of schools, colleges, malls, gyms and other public places till end of this month. Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal have issued similar orders by invoking the clauses of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.  

The scientists at the National Institute of Virology, Pune have isolated 11 strains of the COVID-19. India has become the fifth country to have successfully isolated the virus strain after Japan, Thailand, the United States and China.

Meanwhile, a medical officer here was placed under suspension for allegedly refusing surveillance duty to monitor suspected coronavirus cases placed under home quarantine in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Saturday. Saleem Bhatti was suspended with immediate effect by Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Rahul Yadav, with direction to the medical superintendent of the district hospital to initiate disciplinary action against him, the officials said.

Quoting the order issued by the deputy commissioner on Friday, the officials said Tehsildar Haveli reported that Bhatti, deputed in surveillance team, refused to perform his duty. The order said medical professionals are critical to government efforts in these difficult times when the government is putting all out efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

(With agency inputs)