Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says the state government will give lakhs of daily wage labourers and construction workers Rs 1,000 per month to meet their needs.

The announcement comes as India races to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease, Covid-19. Over 270 people have been infected so far, and four have died.

At a Saturday news conference, Yogi Adityanath said there were 23 cases in Uttar Pradesh. Nine people have recovered, he said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: Rs 1000 each will be given 15 lakh daily wage labourers and 20.37 lakh construction workers to help them meet their daily needs https://t.co/CRxZkoaHEt ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 21, 2020

Around a sixth of all Covid-19 patients become seriously ill, according to the World Health Organisation. The elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions like heart disease are at greater risk.

Depending on location, estimates of the death rate have ranged from less than 1% to as much as 4%.

The global death toll recently crossed 10,000.

There is no approved vaccine or specific anti-viral treatment yet for Covid-19, only supportive care.

Clarification: The earlier version of the copy erroneously mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh chief minister has announced Rs 1,000 per day to the daily wagers. Yogi Adityanath had, however, announced Rs 1,000 per month to the daily wagers. The mistake has been corrected.

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