PM Modi to address nation at 8 pm today over Coronavirus, efforts to combat outbreak

In view of rapid spread of vel Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address nation at 8 pm over issues relating to COVID-19 and efforts to combat it. Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi chaired a meeting with senior officials to review ongoing efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic in India. So far, India has over 170 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and has reported three deaths.

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In meeting, PM Modi emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities, and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight vel Coronavirus, officially kwn as COVID-19. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on steps to be taken next.

"Ways to furr strengn India's preparedness (over Coronavirus) were discussed. This includes furr enhancing testing facilities," an official statement from PMO after review meeting said.

PM Modi also expressed gratitude to all those at forefront of combating COVID-19 including various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and ors, statement read.

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Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, total number of positive cases in India has soared over 170, including foreign nationals. maximum cases of virus have been reported in Maharashtra and Kerala. A third death was reported in India on Tuesday in Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital. Earlier, two deaths were reported in Kalaburgi and West Delhi. 

Centre has “strongly advised” Indians to avoid all n-essential travel abroad. government is also monitoring all suspected cases and has issued preventive advisories. Earlier on Saturday, Central government decided to treat deadly virus as a "tified disaster", and has since issued even more advisories and travel restrictions.

READ | PM Modi To Address Nation On Thursday At 8 Pm Over Coronavirus Pandemic

COVID-19 affected over 170 countries

First detected in Wuhan in December 2019, COVID-19- vel Coronavirus has affected nearly 173 countries in world and one international conveyance--  Diamond Princess cruise ship harboured in Yokohama, Japan. Presently, re are around 219,345 confirmed cases of COVID-19 which has led to death of around 8,969 people. As re is vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to treat COVID-19 yet, countries have been grappling with all possible mechanisms to contain its scope. So far, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran have witnessed most number of confirmed cases of vel Coronavirus.

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