PM Modi calls for SAARC Nations to come together and fight coronavirus

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for SAARC Nations to come together and fight coronavirus.

SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and comprises eight member States: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan; Sri Lanka.

He tweeted:

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1238371182094639104

The first coronavirus death took place in Karnataka. A 76-year-old man who had returned from Saudi Arabia about 10 days ago, died in Kalburgi district on Tuesday. His test results had come out positive.

Meanwhile, Modi has also urged people not to panic, but remain vigilant to keep the coronavirus at bay. “Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Stating that no Minister will travel abroad in the coming days because of the pandemic, the Prime Minister had said, “I urge countrymen to also avoid non-essential travel. We can break the chain of spread and ensure safety of all by avoiding large gatherings.”

Earlier, Modi had requested against a large-scale Holi congregation. He said the government was “fully vigilant” about the coronavirus situation. “Across Ministries and States, multiple steps have been taken to ensure safety of all. These steps are wide-ranging, from the suspension of visas to augmenting healthcare capacities,” he said.

All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure, informed the Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been working closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in the wake of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

After holding discussions with the MYAS and MOHFW, the BCCI on Thursday announced that the remaining two One-day Internationals (ODIs) of the three-match series of South Africa tour of India, 2020, will be played without any public gathering, including spectators.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), had assessed that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.

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