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The coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting countries and territories around the world and causing deaths and major disruption to the global economy. India has seen over 400 cases and 10 deaths so far, as it goes into a 21-day lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
No country or city alone can prevent a global risk like COVID-19. Governments and businesses can confront these challenges by enhancing their resilience. The Indian government has followed a step-by-step model and been on the front foot with early screening at airports from mid-January onwards, initiating travel restrictions and in collaboration with states, applying restrictions on events and on places of social gathering including restaurants, theaters and gyms.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has shown leadership in mobilizing the heads of government of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and that of the G20 to share reliable information, best practices and support each other in fighting this pandemic. Yet there is still much more to be done to improve health response systems and boost the economy.Currently, India has completed among the lowest tests per million population. The limited testing capability in India for COVID-19, has now been extended to 52 viral research and diagnostic laboratories spread across the country. The government should also facilitate the regulatory environment to empower Indian firms to produce test kits.
There is also a pressing need for economic measures to stabilize and stimulate the economy and protect people’s jobs and livelihoods. According to the International Labour Organization, COVID-19 could render 25 million people unemployed and many more underemployed by virtue of reduced wages and working hours. This is especially critical in India where a large part of the population is either self-employed or dependent on daily wages for their subsistence. As we fighting this pandemic together, governments, businesses, civil society and citizens require great resilience and adaptability. With an approach that includes the whole society, together we can and will fight this coronavirus pandemic.
Tourism Ministry launches strandedinindia.com Website
Due to COVID-19 lockdown, there are numerous foreign tourists stranded in India due to shutdown of air transport. Keeping the problem in mind, the Ministry of Tourism has come up with a portal named ‘STRANDEDININDIA’ to expand information regarding the services that can be availed by foreign tourists who are stuck in country.
By launching strandedinindia.com, The Ministry of Tourism has played an important role during this critical situation. The ministry said the portal will help tourists get information on state tourism departments and regional offices of the ministry of tourism to help them stay safe and healthy while in India. It will also help them find information on ways of getting back to their home country, the ministry added.
The portal strandedinindia.com consists of information around Covid-19 helpline numbers and call centres that foreign tourists can reach out for help, information around Ministry of External Affairs control centers along with their contact information and information around state-based/regional tourism support infrastructure.
Tourists seeking assistance can also fill up an online form on the website detailing where they came from, the place where they are stranded in the country, with their contact details and message.
