Meghalaya government on Thursday said no case of novel coronavirus (nCoV) was detected in the State.
Health officials also appealed to the general public to stay calm, not to panic and not to spread rumours through social media about the virus.
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“With regards to the ongoing Novel Coronavirus outbreak in China and neighboring countries, the Health department would like to update that there are no cases of Coronavirus in the State, and we advice the general public to stay calm, not to panic and not to spread false rumours through social media,” the statement issued by the State Surveillance officer of the Health and Family Welfare department said.
Also read: Coronavirus toll in China touches 563
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals, including humans, and birds.
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In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections which are typically mild but, in rare cases, can be lethal.
In cows and pigs they may cause diarrhea, while in chickens it can cause an upper respiratory disease.
The government has also issued guidelines advising the general public how to take care in view of the outbreak of the virus in China.
Guidelines for persons with no symptoms, but who travelled from China/affected countries:
- Strict home quarantine for 28 days from the date of departure from the affected country.
- Restrict outdoor movement and avoid sharing common spaces in your house such as living room, TV room, dining room and wear facemask.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- If symptoms of fever, cough or breathlessness occurs report to the 24X7 helpline number 108 or to the state/district health teams that are monitoring you on a daily basis.
Guidelines for general public:
- Avoid close contact with people who are on home quarantine and those who are sick.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough sneeze with a tissue/towel.