Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 19

Warning of a worsening Covid crisis in the country, Chief Minister Capt Amainder Singh on Thursday urged the Centre to allow private hospitals and labs to conduct tests in order to ensure access to all people even as the state reported its first case of death due to coronavirus.

Calling for a national-level fight against the pandemic on a war footing, Capt Amarinder said he would take up the issue of testing by private hospitals/labs with the Prime Minister on Friday during the latter’s proposed video conference with all Chief Ministers.

With the number of coronavirus cases increasing, the Centre has to consider reviewing its policy, stressed the Chief Minister, making it clear that he did not agree with the current policy in this regard.

Given the fact that Punjab had private labs in all major cities, it was not logical for a Covid suspect to have to travel to Chandigarh or some other place to get himself tested from a government facility only, he said, adding that only in case of doubt should such a person be required to go elsewhere for a second test.

Tribune News Service
Sangrur, March 19

The Education Department on Thursday offered to use government school buildings as quarantine centres for suspected coronavirus patients. The government has already closed all schools and postponed annual exams till March 31.

Talking to The Tribune, Education Minster Vijay Inder Singla said, “Since we have schools in almost all villages, we have offered to the health authorities that they could use the schools as quarantine centres. The isolation of suspected patients is must if we want to contain the spread of coronavirus. After receiving request from the health officers, we will vacate the school.”

He said the move would help the state in a big way. “Fearing forcible quarantine, many suspected patients are not coming forward. We want to allay such fears and local schools would serve as best isolation centres,” he said.

Singla said they had postponed school examinations and relieved the staff of all schools till March 31. To prevent the spread of infection, they had decided to restrict the activities of all government, semi-government and private schools in the state, he said.

“An awareness drive has been launched. Teams led by health and other officials are visiting every household in villages and cities to make residents aware of the disease,” said the minister.

He said CM Capt Amarinder Singh had been taking feedback about the efforts of the Group of Ministers formed to prevent Covid outbreak in the state.

Namaste ji! Stay aloof and stay disinfected. This is the basic mantra to keep the virus at bay in these times of the deadly Covid-19. The noxious coronavirus has spread its tentacles worldwide and the epidemic curve of the outbreak is witnessing alarming spikes in various pockets. It is the solemn duty of every person to take preventive measures that are crucial to containing this highly contagious bug. Public health experts have advocated that social distancing and personal cleanliness hold the key to flattening the curve, along with the quarantining of the suspected cases and isolation of the confirmed patients. India, which is witnessing a rise in the number of people infected in the past few days, has the advantage of learning from the experience of the places where it struck earlier, since December-end.

These steps taken in quick and effective measures made all the difference in reducing the transmission rate of the disease in Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. Even China did not allow a repeat of the frightening Wuhan situation — the epicentre of the coronavirus — as it fortified its other cities like Guangzhou from the situation blowing out of control. And, conversely, countries like Italy, Iran or even the US have had to suffer as their health infrastructure buckled under unmanageably large proportions of their populations falling prey to the infection as they failed to take the required precautions.

The Indian government has so far covered itself with glory in tackling the pandemic. Indian citizens stuck in affected areas abroad are being flown in and the health protocol of those exposed or infected is being followed. To curb the spread of the virus, institutions of mass gatherings like schools, colleges, malls and cinema halls are being shut down and large public and sports events are being cancelled. Now, if each individual voluntarily practises social distancing by avoiding weddings, events, places of worship and other crowded places as far as possible, it will give a boost to the programme. We can’t afford to overwhelm hospitals and caregivers with unmanageable numbers of patients. Wash your hands and decontaminate spaces regularly. Spread the message. Keep distance, stay safe. Namaste ji!

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 19

Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board (HSAMB) on Thursday has ordered the closure of all Apni Sabji Mandis and Kisan Bazars across the state till March 31 in view of the ongoing coronavirus threat.

Chief Administrator of the HSAMB, J Ganesan, clarified that all the grain markets and vegetable markets in the state will, however, function as usual.

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 19

A day after the city reported its first Covid-19 positive case, rumour-mongers became active today, creating panic across the tricity. Fuelled by social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook, rumours gained ground as people went on panic buying spree.

A 23-year-old woman from Chandigarh, who returned from England on Sunday, had tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday night. The girl is recovering at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32.

However, fake messages have started doing the rounds on social media that “Her mother and brother also tested positive today. Five of family, including servant, tested positive today. Police naka /seal off area and restrict movement.”

Another message circulating on the social media claims that “3 more cases detected in Sector 19, Chandigarh. Emergency meeting announced… Lockdown likely in Chandigarh by evening.”

However, the UT Administration has clarified that all these messages were fake and advised people not to circulate or forward such messages.

Another message making the rounds in the social media is that the condition of the girl, who had tested positive, is not good. Countering the message as fake, the spokesperson of the Chandigarh Administration clarified that the girl was doing absolutely fine.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said anybody receiving fake messages should immediately inform the authorities. After verifying the contents of the message, they would immediately issue a statement on its genuineness or inaccuracy.

He said people should not pay heed to fake messages being dished out online.

Meanwhile, these rumours also gave way to panic buying. The grain market in Sector 26 witnessed a huge rush as people went on panic-buying amid rumours of lockdown.

Anita Rani, a resident of Mani Majra, said it took her more than half an hour to buy grocery items from a neighbourhood shop. Due to panic buying, shopkeepers have increased the prices of pulses and other items, she added.

Amarinder Singh, a shopkeeper in Sector 22, said residents stared hoarding essential items, which could even last months.

Digvijay Kapoor, president, Sabzi Mandi Shopkeepers’ Association, said, “ City residents should not panic. There is no disruption in supplies and we have enough stock to ensure a smooth supply.”

Trashing the rumours, Parida said there was no need to panic and the situation was under control. He added that they were taking every step to contain the spread of the virus. He said there was no need to shut apni mandi being organised in sectors and even the wholesale vegetable and fruit market in Sector 26 would remain open. “We are only banning retail purchase in the Sector 26 market,” he said, adding that to provide adequate space, they would spread vendors to the vacant grain yard and truck parking yard in the mandi.

On revealing the identity of the 23-year-old, who was tested positive for coronavirus, Parida said hiding her identity might not help as after knowing the patient’s identity, people who came in contact with her, would get themselves examined.

Police advisory on fake info online

In an advisory, the cyber crime investigation cell of the UT police stated that as everyone is aware that Covid-19 is on the rise in India and in other countries as well, it has been noticed that some people are posting fake unauthenticated news and posts on the social media regarding the virus, thus creating panic among general public. “All are requested not to post/forward any such message on the social media. If any person is found creating panic/unrest in general public through such type of posts on the social media, he will be dealt with as per relevant provision(s) of law,” added the police.

3 quarantine sites identified

Three places have been identified for quarantine facility – PGI Infosys Serai, Panchayat Bhawan and Parkview (on a payment basis). The PGI Infosys Serai is a 250 double-bed facility. It has been decided to keep one patient in one room. Each room has an attached bathroom. A separate washroom has been designated for paramedical staff. Three medical teams have been constituted, which comprise paramedical staff and doctors and will work in eight-hour shifts.

Ottawa, March 18

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged Canadians to hunker down for possibly weeks or months of business closures and home-stay to prevent the spread of new coronavirus.

He said his government was preparing to roll out a new package of financial supports — worth Can $ 25 billion (US $18 billion), according to public broadcaster CBC — to ease the burden on Canadians and their businesses.

His government is also considering using the Emergency Measures Act, an extremely rare measure.

“We don’t know exactly how long this is going to take,” Trudeau said of the health crisis on Tuesday.

till March 31 in Punjab

Of 1,187 quarantined in Punjab, only 115 persons tested

Fake coronavirus messages being circulated in Chandigarh, admn warns of action

“It could be weeks. It could be months,” he told a news conference outside his residence where he and his family are self-isolating after his wife Sophie tested positive for the COVID-19 illness.

“But we will be there, standing together to support Canadians in order to get through this extremely difficult time.”

According to public health officials, the number of cases in Canada has risen to nearly 600, including eight deaths. The latest fatalities, one in Ontario province and three in British Columbia, were recorded on Tuesday.

The Emergency Measures Act has only been used once since the two World Wars. It would allow the government to suspend civil liberties and impose restrictions on the movement of people and goods — which so far have been mostly voluntary.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said turning to emergency measures would be a “last resort”. “It’s a very serious step, which grants extraordinary powers to the federal government,” she acknowledged. “We would never introduce it without careful consultation.”

During the First and Second World Wars, it was used to intern thousands of recent immigrants labelled “enemy aliens”. It was last used when it was still known as the War Measures Act and Trudeau’s father, then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau, invoked it to deploy soldiers during the 1970 October Crisis in Quebec province after the kidnappings of British and Quebec officials by the Front de Liberation du Quebec.

On Monday, Canada closed its border to most foreigners except Americans.

Airlines were ordered not to allow passengers with flu-like symptoms to board, while all inbound international flights will be redirected to airports in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, where public health screenings will be stepped up.

On Tuesday WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, announced it was suspending international flights, after flagship carrier Air Canada said it would soon halve its number of foreign flights.

Public broadcaster CBC said the aid package would be disbursed through existing programmes such as employment insurance and a child tax benefit. The broadcaster cited an unnamed government official as saying: “People need rent money and groceries. Businesses need to bridge to better times.”

“As much as possible, stay home,” Trudeau urged on Tuesday. “Don’t go out unless you absolutely have to. Work remotely if you can. Let the kids run around a bit in the house.”

With young people not getting the message, Quebec province on Tuesday enlisted the help of artistes and athletes including Samuel Piette, a player with Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer.

Pakistan’s coronavirus cases rise to 448

Islamabad, March 19

Pakistan’s coronavirus cases sharply rose to 448 on Thursday, as the military said measures are being taken to make the armed forces’ medical facilities available for an “extreme emergency” situation.

Pakistan on Wednesday reported its first two casualties due to the coronavirus that has spread to more than 160 countries, killing over 9,000 people.

On Thursday, maximum new cases were recorded in Balochistan where the number of infected people rose to 76 from 23. Punjab was next where the number rose from 33 to 78, Dawn reported.

But the worst-hit Sindh province was still on the top with 245 confirmed cases, while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had 23, Islamabad 2 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan 24, the paper said.

Army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told the media that army was fully geared up to support the civil administration in fighting coronavirus.

“Medical facilities of armed forces will be available in case of emergency,” he said.

Pakistan also announced on Thursday to close down Wagah border with India for two weeks.

The interior ministry through a notification said that it closed the key border point with India “for an initial period of two weeks (14 days) with immediate effect”.

It said the measure was taken to “prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of both countries”.

Pakistan’s western border with Iran and Afghanistan had already been closed to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

“Pakistan was taking measures to stop the spread of the infection,” the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza told the media.

He said that Pakistan would learn from China’s experience. “Our doctors will be trained by Chinese doctors through video conferences,” he said.

Mirza asked people to practice social distancing which will help to reduce the infections.

Religious affairs minister Noor ul Haq Qadri said that training programs for Haj pilgrims were suspended as part of the preventive measure.

In Karachi, which is one of worst-hit areas, Christian leaders suspended Church services.

The Foreign Office announced to hold indirect press conference as a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus.

Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that reporters can submit questions through email and answers will be published on the ministry’s website.

Majority of Pakistan’s COVID-19 cases are linked to those who went on pilgrimage to Iran, one of the countries hardest-hit by the disease, while less than half a dozen are locally transmitted.

Pakistan shares a 960-kilometre border with Iran, with the main crossing point at Taftan in Balochistan province.

The Taftan border has been closed since March 16, but thousands of Pakistan Shia pilgrims who were visiting religious sites in Iran have been allowed to return subject to two weeks’ quarantine.

The federal government has banned public gatherings, closed all educational institutions until April 5 and cancelled Pakistan Day parade on March 23. It also limited international flights operations to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. — PTI

Divya Prabhakar
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 18

Passengers travelling from abroad at Delhi International Airport created ruckus over the arrangements in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

In a video that went viral on social media, the passengers are seen alleging that their passports have been confiscated and they are being made to stand in queues. However, the Delhi Airport authorities said it was a two-day old video and everything was under control now.

Multiple videos started doing rounds on social media on Wednesday. The video was also tweeted, but later deleted by actress Soni Razdan after the airport authorities issued a clarification.

In these videos passengers are seen standing in queues, shouting at the authorities for keeping their passports and “poor arrangements” at the airport. An official at the airport said, “These videos are from March 16 when passengers from Paris and Frankfurt onboard AI 142 and AI 120, respectively, landed and created a storm over allocation of quarantine facilities. We have taken care of complaints and took all possible measures to fix all issues. Now there is no chaos at immigration counters.” He added, “Now a system has been put in place such a way that no one is required to submit his or her passport with the authorities concerned before undergoing the tests.”

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, March 17

AIIMS doctor’s plea to stay indoors amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak has gained praise online.

Prasar Bharati News Service shared a picture of a resident doctor requesting people to “stay at home”.

Dr. Amarinder Singh Malhi, who is the resident doctor in AIIMS, New Delhi, was seen carrying a sheet of paper with the message: “I stayed at work for you, you stay at home for us”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi re-tweeted the post and gave a “shout-out to all those working to make our planet safe and healthier”.

Modi wrote: “Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts. #IndiaFightsCorona”

Meanwhile, the novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 169 after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Health Ministry.

The cases include 25 foreign nationals—17 from Italy, three from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore.

The figure also includes three deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra so far.