The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has warnedof strict action including jail for those who do not cooperate in the state’sefforts to control the novel Coronavirus outbreak and spread misinformation orrumours to create panic in the society.
UP health minister Jai Pratap Singh said that the concernedauthorities have been given power under section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Actto take all necessary actions in the wake of the Corona virus outbreak.
“We will take action against any suspect if he/sherefuses to get tested or runs away from authorities. Action will also be takenagainst any person who tries to hide such patients, misleads or obstructs thehealth team from conducting its duty. If required, offenders will also be sentto jail as per the law,” he said.
He said that the situation in the state was completely undercontrol and there was no need for anyone to panic.
“People should take precautionary measures advised bythe government. We will review the situation on March 20 when further decisionswill be taken. We have given special training to 800 doctors and more than1,200 beds have been reserved across the state in district hospitals andmedical colleges,” the minister added.
The health minister also said that the state government haslaunched an awareness program, including in rural areas to inform people aboutthe precautions that must be taken.
Schools, colleges, cinemas, multiplexes, gyms, swimmingpools, clubs and institutes where examinations are not underway have alreadybeen shut down.
The government has also cancelled large gatherings.