Don't create panic over swine flu: PM

New Delhi, Aug 13(ANI): Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday said that panic should not be created over the spread of swine flu even as the country registered its 20th death due to the deadly H1N1 virus.

Singh made this remark following a briefing by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on the swine flu situation in the country during the Cabinet meet in the national capital.

Singh expressed concern over the situation and asked Azad to work towards a proper solution to the whole issue and to ensure that panic is not created.

Following the cabinet meet, Azad insisted that there was no need to panic, and that the Health Ministry would make sure that all possible measures are taken to tackle the issue.

"The central and the state governments are taking all possible measures. For the past one week we have been reserving places in government and some private hospitals. We are also looking for some private laboratories since they are now needed," said Azad.

"Only those people who have symptoms need to wear a mask. They have to wear the mask not to protect themselves but to protect others," he added. (ANI)