Vigil stepped up at Nepal border for coronavirus | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Vigil stepped up at Nepal border for coronavirus

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jan 28, 2020 12:07 AM IST

Special focus is on travellers from Nepal visiting religious and other tourist places in India, said health ministry in a statement.

With a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) reported from its neighbouring Nepal, India has stepped up vigil at the Nepal border, and is screening people travelling across the border.

Hospital staff is seen outside the Special Isolation Ward set up to provide treatment to any suspected case of the coronavirus (CoV), in Hyderabad on Monday.(Photo: PTI)
Hospital staff is seen outside the Special Isolation Ward set up to provide treatment to any suspected case of the coronavirus (CoV), in Hyderabad on Monday.(Photo: PTI)

Union health secretary Preeti Sudan on Monday chaired a meeting through video conference with chief secretaries of the five states bordering Nepal — Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim, to review their preparedness.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Special focus is on travellers from Nepal visiting religious and other tourist places in India, said health ministry in a statement.

Special health teams have already been deployed at border outposts in Jhulaghat and Jauljibi in district Pithoragarh (Uttarkhand), and at Panitanki entry point in West Bengal, and will be soon be expanded in the other states that share borders with Nepal, added the ministry statement.

“Secretary reviewed the preparedness of these bordering states in terms of orientation of health and other agencies; adherence of various prevention and management protocols; awareness regarding prevention of coronavirus among the people being screened and those transiting the border with Nepal; self-reporting by these people; isolation wards; protective gear etc.,” said the ministry statement.

As part of extra vigil, the Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar governments have started medical examination of people coming from Nepal, said a senior health ministry official. Orientation sessions have been conducted of teams from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the medical personnel, and health officials in these states.

Regular awareness drives are being undertaken through miking, distribution of leaflets and signages at the border check posts. Apart from thermal screening of travellers from China already taking place in 7 airports, screening will also begin at ports.

“Shipping ministry has communicated to the national port authorities as they have been directed to follow up with the inland waterways authority of India, and coordinate with the maritime states. All possible steps are being taken to check the entry and spread of the infection. So far there has been no positive case of coronavirus infection in India,” said the ministry official.

The Centre has advised the states to involve rural heads to conduct special Gram Sabhas in coordination with department of Panchayati Raj to enhance awareness regarding the coronavirus diseases, its symptoms, preventive measures, reporting etc. in the border villages, said the official. The state governments have also been asked to involve the Hotels Association for wider self-reporting by travellers from across the border, added the official.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Rhythma Kaul works as an assistant editor at Hindustan Times. She covers health and related topics, including ministry of health and family welfare, government of India.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On