New Delhi, March 19 (IANS): Amid growing fears over the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has demanded adjournment of Parliament, saying the government has "no business and the House can pass the Finance Bill any time".

Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "The epidemic Act has been enforced, so, what is the need of running the session? The government can pass the Finance Bill any time."

"All the MPs should be checked and Parliament should be adjourned immediately at least for 15 days," said Pardeep Bhattacharya, Congress MP from West Bengal.

The Congress has been demanding that the House be adjourned, but the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Affairs Minister have made it clear that the House will run as per schedule.

In a series of tweets, the PMO said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. Ways to further strengthening India's preparedness were discussed.

"The Prime Minister emphasised actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight COVID-19. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken," another tweet read.

"The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19, including various state governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and others," the PMO tweet said.

Countries across the globe have pushed for more drastic measures to contain the pandemic that has now surpassed over 2,00,000 cases and over 8,000 deaths globally.