Amid rising concern around Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao assured the people that the state is ready to handle the situation and said there is no need to panic. "We are ready. All the districts have been informed to stay alert... I want to request that the people should not be panicked. This virus can spread but it is not dangerous. It can be treated..," Rao told ANI. She also urged people to stay fit during the winter season.

"Since it is winter now, there are chances of more people getting Pneumonia, so I request everyone to get a mucus test done in case they have any symptoms. They should also keep their hands clean like we did during Covid-19..." she further said. On January 12, a 10-month-old child in Assam had been diagnosed with the virus, which marked the state's first recorded case, as per officials.