COVID-19: Govt calls for invoking provisions of Epidemic Act

Health and Family Welfare Special secretary Sanjeeva Kumar said that Government has decided to invoke the provisions of Section 2 of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 for efficient enforcement of advisories on Novel Coronavirus Disease management, by the State governments. He said, it was decided by the Cabinet Secretary after a meeting with Secretaries of the concerned ministries, representatives from Army and ITBP, yesterday.

Mr. Kumar said, the Group of Ministers discussed on various precautionary measures taken across the country and expressed satisfaction with the actions taken to combat Novel Coronavirus.  Mr. Kumar advised the passengers with travel history



to China, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Malaysia, France, Spain and Germany to undergo self quarantine of 14 days and appealed the employers of such persons to allow their employees to work from home. He also advised to avoid unnecessary travel to countries suffering the disease.

Mr. Kumar said, over 10 and half lakh international passengers from 9862 flights have undergone screening at various airports, and 35,971 passengers are under observation. He said, 83 passengers from Italy, who arrived in India today, are being quarantined at Army facility in Manesar.