The Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on March 4th, 2020, said that a total of 28 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in India so far. The novel coronavirus outbreak, or COVID-19, has spread rapidly across more than 80 countries. Globally, there have been over 92,800 cases of novel coronavirus so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that he will not take part in Holi events this year and has also advised the citizens to avoid mass gatherings amid the global scare over coronavirus.
“Experts across the world have advised reducing mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme,” Modi tweeted today.
Also read: Coronavirus Outbreak: 6 Cases Detected In Agra, PM Modi Appeals Not To Panic
On March 3rd, 2020, the Prime Minister urged people to not panic as India counted a total of 6 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today said that 15 from the group of Italian tourists in India have also tested positive. However, they will undergo further tests before confirmation. They have been quarantined in New Delhi.
Travel advisory
In view of the emerging global scenarios regarding COVID19, in supersession of all earlier advisories, the Central government issued advisories for immediate implementation:
- All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before March 3rd, 2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons may seek a fresh visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Regular (sticker) visa / e-Visa granted to nationals of Peoples Republic of China, issued on or before February 5th, 2020 were suspended earlier. It shall remain in force. Those needing to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for a fresh visa to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Regular (sticker) visas/e-Visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after February 1st, 2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for a fresh visa to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Diplomats, officials of UN and other international bodies, OCI cardholders and Aircrew from the above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening is compulsory.
- Passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to Health Officials and Immigration officials at all ports.
- Passengers (foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must undergo medical screening at the port of entry.
- Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.
Photo credit: Skynews, Livemint
