New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday attacked the central government over an advisory published regarding the novel coronavirus.

The CPI(M), in a tweet said: "Shocking that the Govt would resort to blatant misinformation in a serious Public Health issue which can affect the lives of people. This is sheer madness!"

Speaking to IANS, CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat said "It is highly irresponsible on the part of the government that they are misleading people over a deadly disease that has killed so many people. It is okay to give general advisory to the people for strengthening immunity but how can they connect it with coronavirus? Instead of giving advice to the people to visit the doctor if they show symptoms they are giving clues for self treatment."

In a statement, released by the ministry of AYUSH on Wednesday, the ministry advised homoeopathy for prevention of the infection and said Unani medicines were also useful in symptomatic management of the infection.

The novel coronavirus is a new strain of virus that spread from Wuhan province of China and brought the city to lockdown. The Indian government is also on high alert and is taking all preventive measures in order to stop the virus entering the country as many people travel to India from China and visa versa on a daily basis, especially during the Chinese New Year holidays.

Chinese health authorities on Wednesday said the death toll due to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak in the country has increased to 132, with 5,974 confirmed cases in 31 provincial-level regions.

India stands at 23rd position amongst the top 30 countries at high risk from the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) researchers have identified. The most 'at risk' countries or regions worldwide are Thailand (1), Japan (2) and Hong Kong (3). The US is placed 6th on the list, Australia 10th, the UK 17th and India 23rd, the study said.