Use handkerchief instead of mask: Maharashtra govt

As the threat perception of coronavirus compounded, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday advised citizens to use clean handkerchiefs instead of using face masks. The government is regularly in touch with the Centre and regular reviews are being taken.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope told the budget session of ongoing Maharashtra legislature that there was no reason to panic and the state's health ministry and machinery have completely geared up.

The government will ask the cybercrime cell to investigate cases of misinformation and rumour-mongering. "So far, there has not been any single positive case," Tope said, adding that the crisis has to be dealt together.

Meaning, several public Holi celebrations were cancelled in the wake of the emerging situation vis-a-vis the biggest health scare in recent years.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Devendra Fadnavis said that the Centre and the state governments are taking necessary steps. Tope also informed that in Mumbai quarantine/isolation wards have been created in five hospitals.

Meanwhile, Dr Rahul Tambe, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, said: "Most importantly there is no reason to spread panic over Coronavirus. Viral messages or videos about wearing masks, avoiding Chinese products or magic cure of Coronavirus are best to be avoided. Also, don’t treat any person who sneezes or coughs like he is suffering from coronavirus. Maintaining good hand hygiene and sneezing and cough etiquettes can help you prevent not only coronavirus but most of other infectious viruses and bacteria."