WHO convenes emergency meeting over coronavirus outbreak in China

World Health Organisation (WHO) has convened an emergency meeting today over the deadly coronavirus outbreak in China. Emergency Committee on the novel coronavirus under the International Health Regulations will meet in Geneva.

The Committee will advise the Director-General on whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and what recommendations should be made to manage it.

India has requested China for permission to operate two flights to bring back Indian nationals from Hubei Province of China. MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, the Indian Embassy in Beijing is in touch with Chinese authorities on the ground to work out necessary logistics.

Union Health Ministry has urged people to refrain from travelling to China   in view of outbreak of Corona Virus. It has also advised all the travelers from China to monitor their health closely.  

The Ministry also reviewed the preparedness for prevention and management of Novel Coronavirus in the country with States and Union



territories.  A 24x7 Call Centre is active for responding to queries on the virus. The number is 011-23978046.

Health Minister Dr Harsha Vardhan said not even a single case has been detected in the country. The Health Minister said, 27 samples sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune for testing of Novel Corona Virus have tested Negative.

Dr A. K. Varshney of RML Hospital, Delhi spoke about the symptoms of novel Coronavirus.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Beela Rajesh has said  Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy Airports have established special centres to screen the international passengers who come from the affected countries including China.

Telangana Health Minister Eatela Rajender said that isolated special units with a total capacity of Hundred-beds have been set up at hospitals in Hyderabad.

In West Bengal, special health check up camps are being organised for sailors and other workers of the foreign ships landed in Haldia and Kolkata Port.