The coronavirus which had originated in China has spread throughout the entire world (File)
New Delhi:
With 63 new coronavirus cases reported in a single day, the total number in India rose to 236. As the cases are rising up with each passing days Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the current situation and preparedness for COVID-19 with chief ministers of various states, through a video conference, the Delhi Health Department said in a statement.
PM Modi also called for Janata Curfew on Sunday or March 22, as a test run for social distancing over the next few days, to fight the spread of coronavirus. As part of the self-curfew, the Prime Minister said everyone must stay home from 7 am to 9 pm that day and abide by it. Coronavirus, he said, had affected more nations than the World War and the growing challenge posed by the outbreak was not normal. Schools, colleges, theatres, malls and shopping areas have been shut down in large parts of the country. The virus which had originated in China has spread throughout the entire world.
Ahead of Sunday's nationwide "Janata curfew", Meghalaya capital Shillong is in lockdown today with markets, offices, commercial establishments and public transport shut for 24 hours as a preventive measure to check the spread of COVID-19.
Here are the updates on Coronavirus cases in India:
Mar 21, 2020 08:49 (IST)Coronavirus Outbreak: US Vice President Mike Pence's Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A staffer in the office of US Vice President Mike Pence, the pointman for Washington's response to the coronavirus outbreak, has tested positive for the illness, a spokeswoman said Friday.
"Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted," Pence's press secretary Katie Miller said.
Pence has appeared at Trump's side at the daily White House press conferences to announce developments in the US fight against the outbreak. (AFP)
Mar 21, 2020 08:44 (IST)Coronavirus Outbreak: 24-Hour Shutdown In Meghalaya To Observe "Coronavirus Awareness Day"
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced a 24-hour statewide shutdown today from midnight and said it will be observed as "coronavirus awareness day".
Speaking to reporters after chairing a cabinet meeting on Friday, he said all public transport, commercial establishments and markets will remain shut to create awareness about the pandemic among the people of the state.
It is not to be taken as a "lockdown", he urged.
Mr Sangma urged people not to panic in view of the shutdown and asserted there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state.
"There is no need to buy additional food items or buy a large quantity of produce as the supply is very much there," he said.
