Coronavirus found its foothold in India at the end of January 2020 and the number of cases since then have been snowballing. The first few people who tested positive for coronavirus in India were from Kerala.
As of March 18 2020, there are 147 confirmed cases across different parts of the country. The first news of death due to COVID-19 came from Karnataka of a 76-year-old man on March 11, 2020. Since then, two more deaths have been reported. 14 people have been reported to be cured and discharged as well.
The Health Minister of India, Harsh Vardhan has asked citizens to not panic and assured that efforts are being made to control the virus from spreading. He confirmed that millions of people arriving from other countries are being screened as well as new labs are opening up for testing.
Apart from taking the necessary precautions to be safe, we must keep ourselves informed about the current status. Read on to know the list of places in India where coronavirus has spread:
Coronavirus in India: Affected places
Positive cases for coronavirus have been detected at the following places in India:
1. Delhi (10 cases)
According to reports, the Delhi Government is focusing on rigorously disinfecting public transport to prevent the proliferation of the virus. All hospitals have also been instructed to save 10% of their beds for the patients of the virus. Schools, colleges, gyms, night clubs, weekly markets and cinema halls have been temporarily shut down in an attempt to stop the virus from spreading further.
2. Kerala (27 cases – 2 foreigners)
The state government had acknowledged the situation to be a state-wide disaster in February, and has been taking steps to control it by cancelling all public events and keeping inmates suspected of carrying the virus in isolation cells. Schools and colleges in Kerala too, have been shut down until 31st March.
3. Punjab (1 case)
The state has been screening tourists arriving from different places at the airports. Although it had declared it as an epidemic disease a few days ago, only one resident of Hoshiarpur has tested positive so far. He had recently come back from Italy.
4. Leh Ladakh (8 cases)
Two people who came back from Iran have tested positive for coronavirus in Leh. A positive case has also been identified in the Indian Army. Some schools have been closed until the end of March. A village in Leh has been restricted as well since a recent death is suspected to be a result of coronavirus.
5. Haryana (16 cases – 14 foreigners)
Hundreds of people in Haryana are under observation as they had been travelling in the affected countries. The government has also instructed workplaces to suspend biometric attendance until the end of March.
6. Rajasthan (4 cases – 2 foreigners)
Several tourists who were visiting from Italy have tested positive for coronavirus. People who had come in contact with 23 foreign visitors are being tested for symptoms. The most recent case identified has been of an 85-year-old man after returning from Dubai.
7. Telangana (5 cases – 2 foreigners)
The first positive case was reported in Hyderabad. People who are symptomatic of the disease are being observed in isolation. Several companies are sanitising their offices. The government is actively working on disinfecting the metro as well.
8. Uttar Pradesh (16 cases – 1 foreigner)
A few hospitals and medical institutes have been alerted to reserve isolation beds due to the rising number of cases.
9. Karnataka (11 cases)
The health and welfare minister has confirmed the reports of positive COVID-19 cases and said that they and their families have been quarantined. The first report of death due to coronavirus in India has come from Karnataka.
10. Jammu and Kashmir (3 cases)
Two of the patients who tested positive had come back from Iran. The government has exempted employees from biometric attendance and primary schools have been temporarily shut down as well. Some people who had been travelling abroad are under observation.
11. Maharashtra (41 cases – 3 foreigners)
The number in cases suddenly spiked in Maharashtra. It has now surpassed Kerala to have the maximum number of positive confirmed cases. A few of the patients had been travelling abroad and some were in contact with the affected people.
12. Andhra Pradesh (1 case)
A man who just returned from Italy has tested positive. Five other people who were in contact with him have been quarantined.
13. Odisha (1 case)
The man who tested positive was placed under quarantine after his arrival from Italy in Delhi but he did not show any symptoms then. After he reached Bhubhaneshwar, he was confirmed as a patient and is now undergoing treatment.
14. Tamil Nadu (1 case)
A 45 year-old-man who was travelling in Oman tested positive for coronavirus after coming back to India.
15. Uttarakhand (1 case)
One of Indian Forest Service's trainee officers was confirmed as a patient after his arrival from Spain. The state government has shut down schools, colleges and movie theatres.
16. West Bengal (1 case)
An 18-year-old who had recently been to UK has been identified as a COVID-19 patient.
Places in India with suspected coronavirus cases
In some areas of India, people are being tested or quarantined due to their travel history or relation to other infected people. Cases of coronavirus in India have not been confirmed in these places.
1. Bihar
2. Mizoram
There is no need to panic but it is important for you to keep up to date with the news. The health ministry has recently advised the citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside India. Make sure to maintain good hygiene to prevent contracting the virus.
If you or someone you know is travelling, please check out all-you-need-to-know including the necessary precautions and FAQs, here.
To stay updated with all that's happening in India regarding coronavirus click here.
Watch travel stories come to life with Tripoto on Youtube!