Six cases with high viral load have been detected during sample testing in Agra. These are the ones who have come in contact with the COVID-19 patient from New Delhi, reported on March 2nd, 2020. They have been kept in isolation. Their samples are being sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation.
Contact tracing of the persons who have come in contact with these six persons is also simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3rd, 2020, appealed the people not to panic. “There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection,” the PM tweeted.
“Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries & states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention (sic),” PM Modi wrote in another tweet.
Travel advisory
In view of the emerging global scenarios regarding COVID19, in supersession of all earlier advisories, the following advisories are issued 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: Economic Times, @NarendraModi
