Coronavirus: PM Modi Not To Participate In Any Holi Events, Says ‘Advised To Reduce Mass Gatherings’

Coronavirus: Amid the outbreak of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to steer clear of mass gatherings in Holi.

Coronavirus: PM reviewed the situation on Tuesday/ Image courtesy: AP

New Delhi: As the global pandemic coronavirus reaches more than 60 countries of the world including India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, said that he has decided to not participate in any Holi Milan programme this year in a bid to avoid mass gathering. “Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme,” he tweeted. Holi Milan programmes have become a quintessential part of Holi celebrations across the country. This year the festival is being observed on March 10. Coronavirus scare may dampen the excitement for the festival this year. The Union Health Ministry had informed on Tuesday that six positive cases of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in India so far. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19.

In view of the Coronavirus scare and the first positive case being reported from the national capital, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday informed that Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) and Safdarjung hospitals had been made nodal offices to deal with a possible outbreak. "Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) and Safdarjung hospitals have been made nodal offices for the programme. The government has arranged over 3 lakh N95 masks for medical staff, patients and others," said Jain at a press conference where Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present.

He said 8,000 medial kits have been procured for medical staff treating patients and a total of 230 beds are being arranged in the 25 hospitals to treat people in case of an outbreak. Jain said the lone patient infected with Coronavirus is undergoing treatment at the Safdarjung Hospital. Global deaths due to coronavirus outbreak on Monday rose above 3,000 with the new count in China mainland rising to 2,912. The deadly virus, that originated in China late last year, continues to spread around the world and has infected more than 80,000 people.