Pull back from hostilities, focus together on coronavirus pandemic: UN chief

United Nations chief António Guterres on Monday needed a right away “global ceasefire all told corners of the world” within the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and said that it's “time to place the armed conflict on lockdown and focus together” on the coronavirus pandemic.

In a video message, Guterres said the Covid-19 virus doesn't care about “nationality or ethnicity, the faction of faith”. “It attacks all relentlessly,” he said. Guterres said the vulnerable lot of the planet - which incorporates women, children, those that are displaced or marginalised - are at the best risk of suffering the “devastating losses from Covid-19”.

“In war-ravaged countries, health systems have collapsed,” Guterres said.

The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war to opponents I say: pull back from hostilities—omitted mistrust and animosity. Silence the guns; stop the artillery and end the airstrikes. this is often crucial, to make the corridors for life-saving aid,” the UN chief urged.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India has crossed over 400, in line with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Nine people have succumbed to the virus till now.

In an unprecedented move, 30 states and union territories announced complete lockdown in their entire areas covering as many as 548 districts, the govt said on Monday.

Apart from the 30 states or UTs facing complete lockdown, three states or UTs have imposed partial lockdown in certain areas. Total of 58 districts is affected because of this. They're Uttar Pradesh -- India’s most populous country, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. Moreover, another union territory -- Lakshwadweep has imposed closure of some activities in its area.