Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a strong strategy by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to fight the coronavirus threat in South Asian region.
“I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy,” he twitted on Friday (Mar 13) on his official Twitter page.
“Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet,” he wrote.
The Indian Prime Minister called for the joint strategy a day after the first case of death from COVID-19 in India reported on Thursday (Mar 12).
In another tweet, mentiuoning the worldwide battle against COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus, Modi wrote, "At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it.”
“South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure our people are healthy,” he added.
A 76-year-old man from Kalburgi city, 575 km north of Bengaluru in India’s southwestern state of Karnataka passed away on Wednesday (Mar 11).
Of them, 59,399 are currently infected while 94 percent of total infected have recovered.
The coronavirus has affected 127 countries and territories around the world, and the Diamond Princess cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan.