Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning tweeted that he would not participate in any Holi events this year as experts have advised against "mass gatherings to avoid coronavirus spread". Twenty eight new cases of the deadly illness, which emerged in China and spread to over 60 countries in the last two months, have been reported in India in three days.
"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," PM Modi tweeted this morning.
Union Home Minster Amit Shah's tweet followed. "Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family," he wrote.
PM Modi's latest tweet comes after he said on Tuesday that he had "an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus" and "there is no need to panic".
Asking all Indians to "work together (and) take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection", the Prime Minister also listed "basic protective measures", including frequent washing of hands and covering the mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Twenty-eight fresh cases have been reported in India in three days, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said today. Sixteen of 23 Italians who landed in Delhi last month, then travelled to Rajasthan have tested positive. One Indian, who was travelling with them, has also tested positive.
Twenty-eight fresh cases have been reported in India in three days, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said today. Seventeen of 23 Italians who landed in Delhi last month, then traveled to Rajasthan have tested positive. One Indian, who was travelling with them, has also tested positive.
In Delhi, a 45-year-old man, who recently traveled to Italy, tested positive on Monday. Italy has also emerged as a hub of coronavirus outbreak. Six of his family members in Agra contracted infection from him, Dr Harsh Vardhan said today.
In Hyderabad, a 24-year-old software engineer who works in Bengaluru also tested positive on Monday. He had worked with people from Hong Kong in Dubai last month, where he is suspected to have contracted the virus.
The global death count from the outbreak has crossed 3,000 and cases soared around the world with six deaths in the United States.
Daily Covid Cases On The Decline In India, But Centre Remains Alert Study Says China Experimenting With Deadly Virus, Experts Say "This Madness Must Be Stopped" India Reports 756 Fresh Covid Cases, 5 Deaths In Last 24 Hours Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Meet Indian-Origin Usha Chilukuri Vance, Wife Of Trump's Vice President Pick Four In Five Americans Fear Country Is Sliding Into Chaos: Polls Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.39 Lakh Admission Deadline Extended For EWS And Special Needs Children Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.