NEW DELHI, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Number of novel coronavirus cases in India Wednesday rose to 52 with two new cases reported, according to India's federal health ministry.
"Total number of positive cases of coronavirus are now 52," a statement issued by India's federal ministry of health and family welfare said. "Of these 36 are Indian nationals and 16 are citizens of Italy."
Amid rising cases in Kerala, local health minister K. K. Shailaja said people hiding their travel history to avoid personal inconvenience were committing a crime by exposing the larger public to an avoidable health hazard.
"According to Public Health Act, people hiding their travel history, which can lead to the spread of the infectious disease, is a crime," Shailaja told reporters.
Authorities across India have sounded an alert and urged people to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and mass gatherings.
The government in Kerala has also announced the closure of primary level schools and cinema halls until March 31 as a precautionary measure. The administration in Indian-controlled Kashmir too has ordered the closure of cinema halls and social welfare centres in five districts there.
Authorities in various states have also ordered the closure of primary schools until March 31.
The federal health ministry has launched a helpline number to provide support to people regarding queries on novel coronavirus. The health ministry is also circulating the precautionary measures recommended by WHO for the prevention of novel coronavirus in India.
