Coronavirus Outbreak: Individuals in Maharashtra who are home quarantined to be stamped in hand

The Maharashtra government on Monday decided to 'stamp' all those people who have been sent to 100 per cent 'home quarantine' in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The left hand of all persons shunted to 100 per cent home quarantine will be stamped to identify them easily if they mingle with the general public.Health minister Rajesh Tope said the decision was taken following complaints that those supposed to be under home quarantine were seen visiting public places. Tope said the stamping will put “social pressure” by helping identify them in public places. The ink which is being used will last for at least 14 days.

The decision, was taken at a meeting of top officials chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has been described as a precautionary measure after 39 cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the state - highest in India - and around seven suspected patients had fled from treatment centres in the past couple of days. Thackeray said that as per the blanket ban, no permission would be given to any organisation, political party or event management companies for holding any programme/events where crowds would gather.Thackeray appealed that those who have been advised home quarantine must voluntarily refrain from stepping out in public to prevent any risk to others.