From Our Bureau
23nd APRIL 2020
A total of 21,393 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country and the death toll rose to 681 on Thursday. The tally included 1,409 fresh cases and 41 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours. As many as 4,257 persons, that is, 19.89 percent of the total cases, have been cured/discharged after recovery, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Government of India is taking several steps along with the States/Union Territories for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
An Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 in the light of the pandemic situation of COVID-19 has been promulgated. The Ordinance is called Epidemic Disease (Act) Ordinance 2020, which states that “No person shall indulge in any act of violence against healthcare service personnel or cause any loss or damage to any property during the epidemic”.
The amendment makes acts of violence cognizable and non-bailable offences. Commission or abetment of such acts of violence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years, and with fine of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. In case of causing grievous hurt, imprisonment shall be for a term of six months to seven years and with fine of Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000. In addition, the offender shall also be liable to pay compensation to the victim and twice the fair market value for damage of property or the loss caused (as may be determined by the court).
As on today, there are 12 districts that did not have a fresh case in the last 28 days or more. Since 21st April, 2020 eight new districts are added. These are: Chitradurga (Karnataka), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Imphal West (Manipur), Aizawl West (Mizoram), Bhadradari Kothagudem (Telangana), Pilibhit (UP), SBS Nagar (Punjab) & South Goa (Goa). Also, 78 districts from 23 States/UTs have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days. (eom)
