A newborn baby in India has been named ‘Corona’ because the deadly virus has “brought the world closer” together.

The baby girl was born on 22nd March in the city of Gorakhpur in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the day the country observed a self-imposed curfew which Prime Minister had Narendra Modi had called to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

The baby’s uncle, Nitesh Tripathi, said that he had named the baby ‘Corona’ after consulting the tot’s parents and other family members.

Explaining his choice of name, the uncle said: “The virus is no doubt dangerous and it has killed so many people in the world, but it has also inculcated many good habits in us and brought the world closer. This baby will be the symbol of people’s unity to fight the virus.”

He said that people should not be scared by the virus and should follow the advice and decrees issued by the government.

India has suffered 511 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 10 deaths.

Prime Minister Modi asked all citizens to observe a self-imposed ‘curfew’ from 7am to 9 pm local time on Sunday to help the spread of the virus.

Those working in ‘essential services’ such as healthcare, policing, the media, firefighters and delivery professionals were implored to respect the curfew.

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