Worldwide, over 4,500 have died due to coronavirus outbreak.
Highlights
- India witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases over the past two weeks
- Most number of cases have been reported from Kerala
- A 76-year-old man died in Karnataka of coronavirus on Thursday
After a 76-year-old man died due to coronavirus in Karnataka, the first death caused by the illness in India, BS Yediyurappa government has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19. India has witnessed a sharp jump in cases of coronavirus - declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation - in the last two weeks. At least 75 people are infected across the country, with maximum cases in Kerala (17). In Karnataka, five people have tested positive, including a Google employee. Worldwide, over 4,500 people have died, over one lakh have been affected.
Here are the steps Karnataka is taking to curb the spread of coronavirus of COVID-19
The state government today cancelled leaves for all employees of the health department and contract workers. "In the light of prevailing coronavirus outbreak in the state, the Karnataka government has ordered the cancellation of leave for all health department workers and contract employees," Health Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.
All schools and colleges in Karnataka's Kalaburagi - where India's first death has been reported - have been shut for a week. "We have directed all schools and colleges in the city to shut classes for a week as a safety measure, however, exams won't be postponed," Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner B Sharat told IANS.
The state police have stepped up vigil at checkposts in border areas in northern region and western region near neighbouring Maharashtra. "As a precautionary step, we are regulating movement of people and vehicles from other districts in our state and neighbouring states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to prevent the spread of the disease," Mr Sharat said.
"All malls, cinema halls, pubs, wedding ceremonies and other large gatherings in the state have been banned for one week," Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said.
A strict 14-day home quarantine has been advised to all international passengers arriving in the state from all countries affected by the pandemic, such as Iran and Italy, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department Jawaid Akhtar said.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS)
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