No confirmed novel coronavirus
case has been reported so far in Madhya Pradesh, where the government has taken all steps to deal with any situation in the wake of reports of outbreak of the disease in different parts of the country, a health department official said on Wednesday.
The department has advised people to shun large social gatherings and exercise caution while playing Holi.
Due to suspected exposure to the coronavirus (COVID- 19), the blood and swab samples of 14 persons were sent to two laboratories for examination, Principal Secretary, Health, Pallavi Jain Govil, told reporters here.
Of these, examination reports of 13 persons have been received and none of them tested positive (for the virus). Report of one person is awaited, she said.
No confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, whose outbreak was first reported from China in December-end, has been reported so far in Madhya Pradesh, she said.
Govil informed that 420 people, who had come to the state recently from the coronavirus-affected countries, were kept in isolation as a precautionary measure.
Of these, 319 were kept in home isolation for 14 to 28 days under medical supervision, the senior bureaucrat said.
Those coming from the coronavirus-hit countries have been quarantined in compliance with guidelines set by the Centre, she said.
A list of such people is being provided by the Union health ministry in consultation with the external affairs ministry, the principal secretary said.
Govil said the health department has taken all precautions to monitor such people.
The official also urged people to be cautious while playing Holi this year.
There is a need for behavioural change to contain this disease. We request people to be cautious while playing Holi or participating in social gatherings, she said.
Govil informed that along with arrangements at every district hospital, the health department is also in contact with various military hospitals to create quarantine facilities to house suspected cases.
The state government has set up a toll-free number
104 - for citizens to report matters related to the virus and suspected cases.
A total of 28 COVID-19 cases have been detected in India so far. Among them, one person was from Delhi, six of his relatives in Agra, 16 Italians and their Indian driver, one in Telangana and the three earlier cases in Kerala, the Centre has said.
Symptoms of COVID-19, which may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus, include fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
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