Mangaluru : Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh has urged people not to panic regarding the spread of Coronavirus. She has also advised people to maintain general hygiene and take care of one’s health.

Addressing media here on Friday, January 31, Rupesh said, “People need to take care of their health. Do not panic with regard to the spread of Coronavirus and never believe rumours that are circulating on social media. Coronavirus is identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. One positive case has been detected in Kerala. There are suspected cases detected in Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. The signs and symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath, pneumonia, vomiting and diarrhoea.”

Rupesh said that necessary precautions are already in place. Wenlock hospital has set-up an isolation ward for the treatment of probable cases of Coronavirus disease. “I have requested all the medical colleges to set-up isolation wards. Precautionary signage containing information on Coronavirus is displayed at the airport. Screenings are also taking place at sea ports. Meetings are conducted with sea port and airport authorities. The district surveillance team is maintaining constant vigilance.”

District health officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao, IMA President Annayya Kulal and others were present.