India should follow 'Social Distancing' in all earnestness: Health Ministry

Reiterating the importance of 'Social Distancing', the ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a press conference asked individuals to raise the awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to contain the dreaded novel coronavirus.

Guidelines on clinical management and dead body management have been updated, said Lav Agarwal, Jt Secy, Ministry of Health. Tests for coronavirus at private labs should be offered when prescribed by qualified physician as per ICMR guidelines, highlighted the ministry at the presser.

Large number of people who have been quarantined, have already being discharged, underlined Agarwal. Commenting further, the ministry said, all private labs testing for coronavirus to ensure real time reporting to IDSP and ICMR.


Earlier in the day, The Indian Council for Medical Research wished to involve accredited private laboratories for engagement in coronavirus testing facilities to strengthen the diagnosis process for the disease.

India has put in place a full-proof mechanism to check the spread of the virus, as the nation is witnessing a steep rise in cases. The toll has touched 137- with Maharashtra emerging as the new epicentre.