Coronavirus outbreak: Government confirms 81 positive cases in India, cites steps taken

Amid vel Coronavirus breakout, Health Ministry confirmed that so far 81 positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported in country. Out of se 81 cases, 3 from Kerala were treated and discharged, in addition, 7 more from Safdarjung have also recovered while 64 cases of 81 confirmed are of Indian nationals, 16 Italian nationals, and one Canadian national, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary Health Ministry on Friday. 

Speaking to media on Friday, Lav Agarwal said, "It is important to understand that it is t a health emergency. We are trying to support initiative taken by state in terms of managing situation. We have 56 collections centres. We hope we continue to remain in same state where t many tests are to be done."

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'1131 people evacuated so far'

Elaborating on steps taken by government to rescue citizens stranded abroad, Agarwal said, "So far government has evacuated 1,131 people including 48 individuals from countries such as Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, United States, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru. Till date, 890 evacuees from se 19 affected countries have been discharged, after 14 days of isolation and having tested negative."

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Furrmore, he added, "We have spared efforts from getting our people back from se Covid-19 affected countries. We have sent scientists, equipment for labs, regents and brought back samples for testing from se countries. So far 1,199 samples have been collected in Iran and brought to India for testing. We have also operated an airforce flight to bring back 58 passengers from Iran on March 10.  We are preparing to operate flights to bring back Indians who have tested negative and are coordinating treatment of positive people in Iran as per protocol."

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Coronavirus and precautions to be taken 

coronavirus (CoV) is a vel strain in large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from common cold to acute respiratory syndromes. Common symptoms of vel coronavirus (nCoV) strain include respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, as per WHO. While re is vaccine to protect against this family of viruses, WHO has released a list of precautions that must be followed amid worldwide outbreak of virus. 

• Wash your hands frequently
• Maintain social distancing
• Avoid touching eyes, se and mouth
• Practice respiratory hygiene
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care as soon as possible
• Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider, stay away from fake news 

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