NEW DELHI, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the government was vigilant and taking all precautions to fight the spread of COVID-19, urging people not to panic.
"The government is fully vigilant about the situation due to COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Across ministries and states, multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure safety of all," Modi wrote on Twitter
"These steps are wide-ranging, from suspension of visas to augmenting healthcare capacities."
Modi said no federal minister will travel abroad in the upcoming days.
"Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions. No Minister of the Central Government will travel abroad in the upcoming days. I urge our countrymen to also avoid non-essential travel," Modi wrote.
"We can break the chain of spread and ensure safety of all by avoiding large gatherings."
Authorities across India have sounded an alert and urged people to avoid unnecessary foreign travel and mass gatherings.
The federal government has also advised states and union territories to invoke provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which will enable them to enforce advisories as and when needed.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Group of Ministers constituted to review, monitor and evaluate the preparedness and measures taken to fight the COVID-19 outbreak.
Officials said over a million passengers were screened at airports so far.
The federal health ministry has launched a helpline number to provide support to people regarding queries on COVID-19. The health ministry is also circulating the precautionary measures recommended by WHO for the prevention of the virus in India.
Authorities in various states have closed schools, educational institutions and cinema halls until March 31 as a precautionary measure.
