Say no to panic

Modi tells people as virus infections across India rise to 73

Agencies
* All schools, colleges, cinemas in Delhi shut till March 31

* No minister of central govt will travel abroad in upcoming days: Modi

* Kerala had most cases -- 17

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday asked the nation to not panic over the coronavirus outbreak. In a social media post, Modi urged the nation to "say no to panic, say yes to precautions".

The prime minister assured that the government was "fully vigilant about the situation due to COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Across ministries & states, multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure safety of all. These steps are wide-ranging, from suspension of Visas to augmenting healthcare capacities."

In a series of tweets, PM Modi also said that no minister of the central government will travel abroad in the upcoming days and he urged the people to also avoid non-essential travel.

"We can break the chain of spread and ensure the safety of all by avoiding large gatherings," the PM tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced yesterday that all schools, colleges and cinema halls in Delhi will remain shut till March 31 as a measure to counter the coronavirus.

The Delhi government had already shut the primary schools, the secondary classes remained open in view of the exams, reports NDTV.

The tweet from the Chief Minister read, "All cinema halls to remain shut in Delhi till 31st March. Schools and colleges where exams are not being held will also remain closed.

The number of people affected by coronavirus in the country rose to 73, Kerala had the most cases -- 17.

Several states, including Kerala, have also shut educational institutions and crowded places like cinema halls.

In Maharashtra, where 10 cases have been reported, the government has banned ticket sales for the 2020 Indian Premier League opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The match was to be held on March 29.

The remaining two matches of India-South Africa ODI series are likely to be played in empty stadiums due to COVID-19 threat, reported news agency Press Trust of India.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar yesterday told parliament that the outbreak is a "matter of concern".

"Exceptional situations require exceptional responses," Jaishankar said, adding that "travel at this time is not recommended as it only heightens risks".

The virus was declared a pandemic on Wednesday by the World Health Organisation or WHO.