Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon people not to panic and take precautions to stay away from the COVID-19 – Novel Corona virus infection. In a tweet, Mr Modi said, the government is fully vigilant about the situation. He said, no Union Minister will travel abroad in the coming days and also urged people to avoid non-essential travel. The Prime Minister said, we can break the chain of spread and ensure the safety of all by avoiding large gatherings. He said multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure the safety of all across ministries and states. He said these steps are wide-ranging, from the suspension of visas to augmenting health care capacities.

Thirteen fresh cases of Novel Coronavirus have been reported in the country, taking the tally of positive cases to 73. Briefing the media in New Delhi last evening, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Aggrawal said, India has taken preventive measures to contain the spread of the Corona virus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring the situation.

Rashtrapati Bhavan will remain closed for tour visits from today until further notice as a precautionary measure. Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex and the Change of Guard ceremony will also be not open to the public till further notice.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar said, the government has received requests from Bhutan, Iran and the Maldives for assistance in arranging protective gear and the government is processing it. Earlier, such a request was received from China and a package was sent.

The Delhi Government has announced that all cinema halls schools and colleges where examinations are not being held will remain closed till the 31st of this month.The Health Ministry has issued guidelines for home quarantine for 14 days for Corona Virus confirmed case.  The home quarantined person should stay in a well-ventilated single-room preferably with an attached or separate toilet. The World Health Organization has said that the Novel Corona virus outbreak is a controllable pandemic, if countries step up measures to tackle it.