Passengers being screened in New Delhi on their arrival at the airport (file photo)
As the number of positive cases of coronavirus continues to rise in India at an unprecedented rate, there are at least 14 (Assam reported its first case after this news article was first published) states and union territories (UTs) which so far haven’t seen a single confirmed COVID-19 case. According to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, as of March 21 at 4:45 PM, 283 people, including Indians and foreigners in the country, have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Out of 283 affected patients, 244 were Indian nations while the remaining were foreigners staying in India, according to government figures. The unofficial number, taking into account the positive cases reported after 5 PM, is believed to be 315.
No positive cases have been detected so far in 14 Indian states and UTs — Goa, Jharkhand, Bihar, Lakshwadeep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Daman and Diu, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The figures have been brought to light as the country prepares for the ‘Janata curfew,’ a nationwide call for staying indoors given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Also read: 'Stay where you are': PM Modi's appeal to migrant workers on eve of 'janata curfew'
(While Assam featured in the original list of states and UTs to not have reported a COVID-19 case till Saturday evening, a positive case was reported from the state at 10:00 PM. With the development, only 14 states and UTs have so far reported no positive case).
(The article was last updated at 1:35 AM).
