Indian MP enters parliament wearing mask, demands screening
The MP from Maharashtra's Amaravati was the first to flag the crowd factor in parliament and its possible link to the virus
The sudden panic over the spread of coronavirus knocked on the doors of Indian parliament today as Independent member Navneet Rana turned up for the day's session sporting a mask, reports NDTV.
"Parliament is a crowded area and it is essential to wear a mask in such places," Navneet Rana told the media.
The MP from Maharashtra's Amaravati was the first to flag the crowd factor in parliament and its possible link to the virus.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister Amit Shah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared that they would stay away from pre-Holi celebrations in view of the spike in coronavirus cases in the country.
The Prime Minister, who tweeted yesterday asking people not to panic, today posted: "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme."
Over the last three days, the country has registered a big jump in coronavirus cases, with a group of 15 Italian tourists testing positive for the virus.
The total number of affected people is now 28. Three others who contracted the virus earlier, have been cured, the doctors said.