No need to panic, PM amid coronavirus scare

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that there was "no need to panic" over the coronavirus scare in the country, and urged Indians to work together and take "small yet important measures to ensure self-protection".

"Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," he said in a tweet.

"There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection," he said in another tweet.

The prime minister also tweeted a photo outlining "basic protective measures" to be taken to halt the spread of the infection.

These measures include the frequent washing of hands, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

The health ministry on Tuesday said six cases with "high-viral load" were detected during sample testing in Agra and these people have been kept in isolation.

The six people had come in contact with a 45-year-old patient from Delhi, whose case came to light on Monday, and they include his family members.

According to government sources, the man, who is a resident of Mayur Vihar, had visited them in Agra.

The six have been kept in isolation at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.