Cases rise to 285 as India prepares for curfew

As per the data put out by the Ministry of Health, the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in India now stands at 285. Of the infected people, 22 were discharged and cured of the virus across India, five have died, while 231 people still remained active.

Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its guidelines on COVID-19 testing states, "Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between day five and day 14 of coming in his/her contact."

A day after his address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the threat of the pandemic is common for all states and underscored the need for Centre and all states to work together.

Modi on Thursday had asked citizens to follow Janta Curfew from 7am to 9pm on 22nd March i.e. coming Sunday in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"This will prepare us for future circumstances. I urge all state governments to help comply with this Janta Curfew," he said.

Modi had also urged the business community and higher-income groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower-income groups, from whom they receive various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the workplace.

Modi also said that coronavirus outbreak is a medical emergency for the entire human race and asked people to adopt social distancing for a while.