COVID-19: Road transport ministry calls for sanitising vehicles

 In the wake of coronavirus cases mounting in India, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday advised states and Union Territories to take all steps for sanitisation of public transport vehicles and terminals.

The ministry issued an advisory that all necessary steps to be undertaken in the public transport vehicles to ensure sanitation of seats, handles and bars at all bus terminals. The ministry also suggested that the public transport should display public health messages in vehicles, bus terminals and bus stops. It also asked states and UTs to take expeditious action and mobilise all necessary support in this regard.

Underlining that the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have now been confirmed in more than 90 countries, the advisory stated that Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been coordinating the efforts of the central government in this regard and has also been working with state governments in order to mitigate the impact of the outbreak in India.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways also stressed that a public health situation of this scale required a concerted and whole-of-government approach in order to prevent further importation of cases and to build up a comprehensive and robust response system.

It added, "It is required to step up efforts and fully mobilise all resources to support the efforts of the Health Ministry in preparedness, control and containment measures."

At least 10 new cases were reported in India within 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 60 on Wednesday. IANS