PM Modi on coronavirus: Don't believe in rumours, consult doctor if unwell

PM Modi on coronavirus: Don't believe in rumours, consult doctor if unwell

As the number of known coronavirus cases in India rises sharply, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges all to not believe in rumours regarding virus outbreak.

"I request people to not believe in hearsay and rumours on what to do and what not to do on coronavirus," Narendra Modi said while addressing Jan Aushadhi beneficiaries. PM Modi also said that one should consult doctor if one feels unwell.

"People should avoid handshakes and start greeting others with 'namaste' once again," the Prime Minister added.

Originated in China's Wuhan city in the Hubei province last year, the novel COVID-19 has infected more than 100,000 people worldwide.

To educate people regarding the preventive measures of coronavirus disease, the Central government implemented pre-call awareness messages on BSNL and Reliance Jio connections, said health ministry official.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan is likely meet PM Narendra Modi today to hold discussion over coronavirus scare, reported ANI. Earlier, PM Modi decided not to participate in this year's Holi celebrations due to deadly coronavirus fear in the country.

Amid the shortage of masks and sanitizers in the market and steep hike in prices, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan called for strict action against those black marketing the masks.

"Strict action should be taken against those black marketing the masks," Vardhan tweeted in Hindi.

Around 6.5 lakh passengers have been screened at 30 Indian airports so far as part of preventive measure against the spread of the virus.

"Screening of passengers coming from all parts of the world is currently being carried out at 30 Indian airports and 6,49,452 passengers have been screened," said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.