IIFA Awards 2020 postponed amid Coronavirus scare

The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) on Friday announced that it has postponed the event amid growing concerns over the coronavirus. The IIFA was quoted by news agency ANI as saying that "With due regard to the growing concerns around the spread of the COVID 19 virus and, after consulting the Madhya Pradesh government, it has been decided to postpone the event to a later date." IIFA Awards 2020 was originally scheduled to be held at the end of March.

Coronavirus in India

Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary (Health), Union Health Ministry stated that "One more COVID 19 case in Delhi (resident of Uttam Nagar) has been confirmed, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 31. The patient has travel history from Thailand and Malaysia." Meanwhile, one confirmed coronavirus case each from Gurugram and Ghaziabad was reported on Thursday.

Indian Army comes forward

In consonance with the various advisories issued by the Government of India, the Indian Army headquarters has issued detailed instructions with respect to preparations and emergency response in tackling the COVID-19 virus. The Indian Army was quoted by news agency ANI as saying: "Local Military authorities will exercise suitable control to avoid/postpone all non-essential mass gatherings till the situation improves. Regular health information education and counseling activities to be carried out at all military stations." Also Read | Punjab: 25 suspected coronavirus cases in Kapurthala "Military hospitals will be establishing isolation wards and have separate OPDs for the screening of symptomatic cases to prevent avoidable transmission. The service hospitals will also work in synergy with the local civil medical authorities and designated Indian Council of Medical Research labs," it added. -PTC News