New Delhi, March 13 Indian Defence forces have set up quarantine bases across the country for 5,000 people who are suspected to be affected by coronavirus or are coming from coronavirus-affected countries.
4,000 quarantine bases have been set up by the Indian Army while Indian Navy and Air Force have set up facilities for 1,000 people.
Indian Army was running facilities in Manesar and Jaisalmer with 300 and 1,000 capacity, respectively.
As more people are being airlifted from coronavirus-hit countries, new bases in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jhansi with a capacity of 1,000 people are being set up.
The force is also setting up quarantine bases in West Bengal's Binnaguri and Bihar's Gaya with a capacity of 300 each.
On Friday, 44 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran were taken to Indian navy quarantine facility set up at Ghatkopar, Mumbai.
"The Indian Navy has setup isolation facilities at its premier hospital INHS Asvini at Mumbai to treat COVID-19 cases," the Navy said.
Indian Navy's Command Headquarters at Kochi and Vizag have also been directed to setup similar facilities. Separate "Fever Clinics" are functioning at all naval hospitals to prevent spread of infection from undiagnosed cases.
Sources also said that instructions have been issued to all concerned personnel to accord adequate focus on health security. "All ranks to take precautions and not panic," said sources in Indian Army adding that all recruitment rallies to be postponed by one month.
Indian Army has also asked it personnel to restrict travel and to maximum utilise of video conference facilities.
( With inputs from IANS )