Report suspected cases in 24 hrs: Health dept to hosps

In a communique, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine also stated that all government and private hospitals as well as laboratories should be cleaned frequently with disinfectants to avoid spreading of the infection. If the institutions fail to do so, legal action, including cancellation of permission to function, will be taken.

The Directorate of Public Health also directed all government and private buildings to make provisions for wash basins with running water along with soap for hand wash. All government and private buildings, hospitals, multi-storey complexes, schools, colleges, marriage halls, amusement parks, cinema theatres, commercial buildings, religious places, factories and other buildings have been asked to make adequate provisions for hand wash. As per the directions, people should be allowed to enter and exit these premises only after washing their hands. Action will also be taken under the Public Health Act if any establishment does not adhere to the instructions and could entail imprisonment up to six months or fine or both, the release stated.

A senior official said these measures have been taken to check the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure risk of community transmission is minimised.