After the news of a 24-year-old techie contracting Coronavirus broke out early this week, panic has come to grip many Hyderabadis. This is manifesting itself most evidently in Mahendra Hills and surrounding areas. The patient, who is undergoing treatment in a government hospital, hails from this area.

The streets of the locality, say media reports, are wearing a deserted look with residents being apprehensive about coming out of the confines of their homes. A Buddha Vihara is reportedly doing its best to isolate its monks from susceptible exposure.

The Secunderabad Cantonment Board is taking up suitable safety measures to instill confidence in the residents of the locality.

Several schools in the locality have been shut down. Health department officials have instructed that those reporting mild symptoms common with COVID-19 should immediately approach authorities.

Distribution of masks, dissemination of information about safety measures, etc. have been done on a war footing.