New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that he will not celebrate Holi, in view of coronavirus scare in the country.

“In view of coronavirus scare and keeping the experts’ opinion in mind, I will not participate in the Holi celebrations this year. Please maintain cleanliness and take necessary precautions,” Rajnath tweeted.

कोरोना वायरस के ख़तरे से निपटने के लिए विशेषज्ञों की राय को ध्यान में रखते हुए मैं इस बार होली एवं होली मिलन से जुड़े किसी भी कार्यक्रम में भाग नहीं लूँगा।

कृपया स्वच्छता का ध्यान रखें और आवश्यक सावधानी ज़रूर बरतें।

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 9, 2020

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that he will not be participating in any ‘Holi Milan‘ programmes this year in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

“Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2020

So far 40 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India.

Global deaths due to coronavirus outbreak have risen above 3,000. The deadly virus, that originated in China late last year, continues to spread around the world. (ANI)