Coronavirus-scare: One school shut in Noida, another to follow footsteps
What's the story
A day after two people were tested positive for coronavirus in India, one famous school in Noida shut on Tuesday for the next three days. Another school will shut from tomorrow till March 11, reports TOI.
The parent of two kids who study at the first school, named Shriram Millennium School, contracted the virus, sending panic. Authorities said the school is being sanitized.
Background
Coronavirus outbreak happened in China, spread across globe
The current viral outbreak involves a new strain of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, and it was first detected in China's Wuhan province in mid-December.
The deadly virus, whose cure is yet to be developed by scientists, has killed over 3,000 across the globe and affected nearly 1,00,000.
It spread to 50 countries, and in India five people tested positive. Three were discharged after recovery.
Details
Man, who tested positive, hosted a party last week
The first case in National Capital, which was reported yesterday, concerns a 45-year-old resident of East Delhi. On February 28, the man hosted a birthday party in Agra where he came in contact with guests.
Subsequently, six people in Agra said they suffered from fever prompting authorities to send their blood samples for a test at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
Buzz
Parents discussed the virus in WhatsApp group
On Sunday evening, WhatsApp groups of parents of Shriram Millennium School students went abuzz about the infection. Many chose to not send their wards to schools on Monday. In fact, children of the infected patient also skipped classes yesterday.
Dr. Anurag Bhargava, chief medical officer, Gautam Budh Nagar, said the school is being sanitized as a precautionary measure and a parents' meeting was called.
Quote
There is no need to panic: Dr. Bhargava
"We have called for a parents' meeting to spread awareness on the issue so that there is no panic. We are in touch with the school authorities and parents to ensure that all the required precautions are taken by the affected persons," Dr. Bhargava added.
Message
New dates of examination will be announced soon: School
In the message sent to parents this morning, the school said board exams will continue as scheduled.
"Due to certain unavoidable circumstances, we will be postponing the exams scheduled for today. The new dates will be communicated shortly. The children of classes 7-11 may come for extra classes if they wish. Class 6 and IGCSE classes continue with the study leave," the message read.
Details
Authorities in Agra are being cautious, PM Modi tweeted message
Meanwhile, hotels and tourist sites in Agra have been instructed to tell CMO about people arriving from Italy, Iran, and China, so they are screened for the infection.
"As soon as the hotel informs us, a team of doctors goes to the hotel, and examines them for symptoms of coronavirus," an official said.
Amid the scare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to not panic.
Twitter Post
We need to work together: PM Modi
There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection. pic.twitter.com/sRRPQlMdtr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2020