Coronavirus takes third life in India, 64-year-old passes away
What's the story
A 64-year-old, who tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, passed away at Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital on Tuesday, taking the death toll to three. Earlier, a 76-year-old man in Karnataka and a 68-year-old woman in Delhi, who had underlying health conditions, passed away due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, 125 people, including foreign nationals, have tested positive for the virus in India.
Details
Maharashtra decided to stamp those undergoing quarantine
Incidentally, the deadly virus has affected Maharashtra the worst among all Indian states. On Monday, 39 positive cases were recorded from the western state, prompting the state government to implement stringent measures. The government decided to put a stamp on the left hands of those who have been sent to home quarantine. This will make identification easier, in case they step out.
Punishment
Government will not take lapses lightly
About the move, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said stamps with indelible ink, which is used during voting, will be imprinted. Further, if a person attempts to escape the compulsory quarantine or breaks "home quarantine", he will face repercussions. He will be forcibly taken to an isolation ward in a government facility. In the last couple of days, seven suspected patients escaped from medical facilities.
Quote
Epidemic Diseases Act has been implemented in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
"It's not a crime if somebody is infected. They must be given proper treatment and psychological support. The Epidemic Diseases Act has been invoked in the interest of the people and the district administration must create awareness on it," Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said.
Religious places
Siddhivinayak Temple has closed doors for devotees
In the wake of the pandemic, several religious places like Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbadevi Mandir, and Mahalakshmi Mandir, have decided to shut doors for devotees till March 31. The famed Siddivinayak Temple receives an average footfall of 30,000 daily. The trust's chairman, Aadesh Bandekar said since the temple is a closed space and the sanctum is small, they don't want to take any risks.
Showbiz
Movies, TV shows suffering due to coronavirus
The fatal virus, that has claimed over 7,000 lives worldwide, also affected Bollywood and Hindi television industry, which operate from Mumbai. Several shoots have been stalled and producers of movies like Sooryavanshi and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar have decided to defer the release. The industry stands to lose approximately Rs. 800 crore. To note, cinema halls will also remain closed until March 30.