So far, two deaths due to the lethal infection have been reported in the country. In the wake of spurt in cases of the COVID-19 across the country, the Central Government on Saturday decided to treat the deadly virus as a "notified disaster". The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared coronavirus a pandemic and Europe as its epicentre with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China
The coronavirus, which originated in China's Wuhan city in December last year, has so far spread to more than 100 countries, infecting over 1,20,000 people.
Hyderabad: Police warns of one-year imprisonment for spreading false information
Hyderabad Police have warned that those spreading false news and rumours on coronavirus may be jailed up to one year. Hours after the state government announced shutdown to contain coronavirus, the police chief warned against rumours and false news. Announcing the closure of all educational institutions and banning public gatherings, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Saturday night warned the media against publishing or airing unconfirmed reports about coronavirus cases.
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To prevent spread of COVID-19, Mumbai Police has issued order prohibiting any tour involving group of people travelling together to a foreign/domestic destination organised by private tour operators or otherwise using powers under section 144 CrPC. Order shall remain in force till 31st March.
Watch | Coronavirus: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai
Assam: Assam Chief Secretary Sanjay Krishna said all school, colleges, universities, gyms, swimming pools and cinema halls will remain closed in the state till March 29. All examinations, except that of state and CBSE boards, have been postponed in view of coronavirus.
Also Read | Coronavirus: Kartarpur Sahib Pilgrimage Suspended; Passenger Movement At India's Borders Also Prohibited
Bihar: Bihar General Administration Department issues order, asking all department heads (except health department) to assign working shifts on alternate days to class C and class D employees of the state.
Do Not Miss: MS Dhoni Leaves Chennai Amid Coronavirus Threat
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami has ordered holiday for school students studying in LKG to fifth standard in the state and also closure of malls, theatres in border Taluks till March 31 as a precaution against the spread of Coronavirus.
Helpline numbers for COVID-19:
The Helpline Number for corona-virus : +91-11-23978046
The Helpline Email ID for corona-virus : ncov2019@gmail.com
Norms of assistance for SDRF:
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified the items and norms of assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. MHA has laid down the norms of assistance and measures for quarantine, sample collection, screening, procurement of essential equipment for response to COVID-19. The measures for quarantine, sample collection and screening include, "provision for temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care etc for people affected and sheltered in quarantine camps (other than home quarantine) or for cluster containment operations. Cost of consumables for sample collection. Support for checking, screening and contact tracing."
According to the Norms of Assistance, "As per actual expenditure and as per the assessment of need by State Executive Committee (SEC) to ensure the effective containment of outbreak for a period of up to 30 days. The SEC will decide the number of quarantine camps, their duration and the number of persons in such camps. This period can be extended by the SEC beyond the prescribed limit subject to the condition that expenditure on this account should not exceed 25 percent of SDRF allocation for the year. Medical care may also be provided from National Health Mission (NHM)."
For the purpose of the procurement of essential equipments and setting up additional testing laboratories, "the expenditure is to be incurred from SDRF only as assessed by the SEC to strengthen the surveillance and control measures against COVID-19 virus outbreak."
There is also a provision for the cost of personal equipment for healthcare, municipal, police and fire authorities and the cost of thermal scanners, ventilators, air purifiers and consumables for government hospitals.
"Total expenditure on equipment should not exceed 10 percent of the annual allocation of the SDRF," it added.