The Indian government is doing everything possible to address the coronavirus epidemic that's been on a  rise in the country. Gathering of more than 50 people for any occasion is banned and heavy lockdowns are instructed in maximum coronavirus-hit regions like Maharashtra and Kerala. The Kejriwal-led government in Delhi has also imposed a ban on people assembling for meetings, social gatherings, going to the gym, spa, movies or nightclubs until the virus is taken care of completely.

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Amidst all this, the Maharashtra state government has gone beyond basic and normal protocol and is stamping everyone who has been sent to home quarantine amid scare over the pandemic. As per the reports, the health minister, Rajesh Tope said the left hand would be stamped to identify those who are under home quarantine.

The decision was taken at a meeting held by top officials, which was chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackrey, when almost 39 cases of COVID-19 were detected out of which 7 suspected patients escaped from treatment centres in the last few days.

Greater Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner Pravin Pardeshi issued an order to all officials concerned at hospitals and the airport, asking them to stamp the left hands of those who are under home quarantine, with their dates of isolation and with an ink which would last them at least 14 days.

"It is not a crime if somebody is infected by Covid-19. They must be given proper medical treatment and psychological support. The Epidemic Diseases Act has been invoked in the interest of the people and the district administration must create awareness on it," the Chief Minister said.

Besides, the Health Minister stated that a stamp with somewhat permanent ink, the ones used for voters during election, will be applied on the left hand, indicating "that person/patient is under compulsory home quarantine" till March 31.

"This will help other people identify them if they break home quarantine and mix among the public during their home isolation period," he said. 

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The government has also stated that an apt punishment for those who breach the home quarantine rule is applicable and anyone who does so will be sent to the government quarantine facility. 

Well, Maharashtra government is doing what it can to limit the cases in the state. Also, overcrowded spaces such as train stations etc in Maharashtra are also under a strict lockdown, along with everything else done to curtail crowds and initiate isolation.

Better to issue certificate of 100% quarantine. Stamp will disappear in few days.

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â Desi Engineer (@Engihumor) March 16, 2020

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According to news reports, the number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 126 after fresh cases were reported from several states. 

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