Govt declares COVID-19 as notified disaster, announces Rs 4L ex-gratia for families of deceased
The government has decided to treat COVID-19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The government of India on Saturday decided to treat COVID19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Rs 4 lakh will be paid as ex-gratia to the family of the person who will lose their life due to Coronavirus, including those involved in relief operations or associated in response activities, The Ministry of Home Affairs said.
The move would enable the states to spread a larger chunk of funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to fight the pandemic.
Among further measures detailed by the government are provisions for temporary accommodation and supply of food, water, clothing and medical care for patients and people in quarantine camps.
The notification comes a day after central ministry officials briefed the media on steps being taken and cautioned against panicking, saying the outbreak was "not a health emergency".
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India rose to 85 on Saturday. So far two deaths due to the lethal infection have been reported in the country.
The coronavirus which originated in China Wuhan city in December last year has so far spread to more than 100 countries, infecting over 1,20,000 people.
Earlier in the day, the health ministry said home quarantine is meant "to protect you and your loved ones."
According to the guidelines, those quarantined at home should stay in a well-ventilated single-room, preferably with an attached or separate toilet.
If another family member needs to stay in the same room, it's advisable to maintain a distance of at least a meter between the two.
Quarantined individuals must stay away from the elderly, pregnant women, children and persons with comorbidities within the household as their immunity may be low.
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