Tirupati: Out-patient services barred at BIRRD hospital till March 31

• SVIMS also asked patients to visit the hospital in case of emergency only

• Chamber of commerce calls the business establishments to down their shutters voluntarily today

• TDP leaders distribute masks to people to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Tirupati: Sri Balaji Institute of surgery, research, rehabilitation for the disabled (BIRRD) hospital has announced that the out-patient services for patients are closed from Saturday to March 31. The Director of the Institute Dr M Madan Mohan Reddy stated that the situation will be assessed further and notify accordingly. However, emergency cases will be attended round the clock. He gave some precautions to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The precautions include wearing the mask while visiting health care facility, healthy person should avoid wearing masks, one has to wear mask if they have cough, cold or fever. Most important measure to prevent spread of the virus is hand hygiene and to avoid crowds. Hand hygiene can be done with soap and water.

Meanwhile, SVIMS also requested patients not to attend OP services up to March 31 except emergency services. All emergency services will be continued as usual. The Medical Superintendent Dr Ram has advised that only one attendant should come with the patient. Patients with chronic diseases are also advised to visit the hospital only in case of emergency.

Meanwhile, Tirupati Chamber of Commerce requested the people to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Janata Curfew and stay at home from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday.

The President of the Association A Manjunath and Secretary P Madhusudana Rao have called upon the hoteliers, fast food centres, hawkers and other business establishments to close down their shops for the day voluntarily and help prevent the deadly virus.

TDP leaders have distributed masks to the people in the city on Saturday and expressed solidarity to Prime Minister's call for Janata curfew on Sunday. Former MLA M Suguna, RC Munikrishna, Pushpavathi, Santhamma, Gunasekhar and other leaders were present.