Coronavirus: Central govt to launch public awareness campaign from Oct 8 amid rising cases

A public awareness campaign on coronavirus will be launched by Central government on October 8, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Wednesday.

“ Cabinet decided to launch a public campaign from tomorrow on coronavirus. Mask, social distancing, and washing hands are only weapons to remain safe, in absence of a COVID-19 vaccine. Campaign to raise awareness about se measures in public places will be kicked off soon,” Javadekar said in a press conference after weekly Cabinet meeting.

He informed that as part of campaign, posters and banners for awareness will be put at Railway stations, planes, autorickshaw, metro, petrol pumps, school colleges, Anganwadi centres, housing societies, markets, police stations and government offices etc. A social media campaign will also be launched.

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Coronavirus outbreak

India's COVID-19 tally crossed 67-lakh mark with a spike of 72,049 new cases and 986 deaths reported in last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry data revealed Wednesday morning. total number of detected cases stands at 67,57,132 including 9,07,883 active cases. Thus far, 57,44,694 patients have recovered while 1,04,555 have succumbed to respiratory illness. 

sustained high levels of recoveries have led to furr widening of gap between active and recovered cases. Recovered cases exceed active cases (9,07,883) by more than 48 lakh (48,36,810). recovered cases are 6.32 times  active cases ensuring that recoveries are consistently rising, Health Ministry has said.

active caseload of country has furr slid to 13.44% of total positive cases and is consistently declining. Matching rise in national figure, 18 States/UTs have Recovery Rate more than national aver.

Guidelines for festive season

On Tuesday, government issued Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 during upcoming festivals. In wake of various festivals such as Chhath Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Durga Puja, Navratri, Christmas, etc. falling in months of October to December, Ministry stressed that festivity will be permitted in containment zones. Moreover, persons above 65 years of , persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below of 10 years have been advised to stay at home.

In Unlock 5 guidelines, Ministry of Home Affairs removed ceiling on number of people allowed to participate in garings in open s. However, functions in open s can be attended by a maximum of 200 persons.

(PTI Photo)

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