Surguja (Chhattisgarh): A rapidly spreading viral, Coronavirus (CoV) that has killed 81 people so far and spread to 11 countries alerted Indian health authorities to prepare for the evacuation of Indian nationals from Wuhan, the epicentre of deadly SARS-like coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 50 people in China and infected more than thousands.
Health authorities around the world are taking action to prevent a global pandemic as the virus continues to spread, with cases reported in Australia, France, the United States and seven Asian countries besides China.
India has instructed the screening of travellers from China at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata via thermal scanners.
The Chhattisgarh Health Department on Tuesday issued an alert against the deadly Novel Coronavirus after one woman was found suspected from the virulent virus. The woman is kept under observation in a hospital.
Speaking to media persons here, Health Minister of Chhattisgarh T S Singh Deo said there was nothing to worry but precautions must be taken.
"People coming from China should take precautions. Coronavirus would not affect our state directly and Government of India is taking precautionary measures by scanning tourist from the affected areas in China and thermal screening device checks passengers arriving in India from China in view of the outbreak of Novel coronavirus (CoV) in China at many airports in India."
Deo further said, "In case the state gets people affected by the coronavirus, arrangements have been made to deal with the situation."
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
