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‘No need to panic,’ assures PM Modi amid concerns over new cases of Coronavirus

With the threat of COVID-19 looming large, the government has, meanwhile, tightened the entry conditions for the nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan with immediate effect.

‘No need to panic,’ assures PM Modi amid concerns over new cases of Coronavirus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo: AFP)

Amid concerns over two new confirmed cases of the deadly Coronavirus in Delhi and Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged people not to panic and “work together” to fight the epidemic, that has so far claimed over 3000 lives globally.

The Prime Minister also advised people to take “small yet important measures to ensure self-protection from Coronavirus”.

“There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection,” PM Modi tweeted.

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Prime Minister Modi also shared a list of basic protective measures against the virus which includes personal hygiene, seeking medical care in the event of illness, among others. A control room number is also provided in the tweet.

In another tweet, PM Modi said he held an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 disease.

“Different ministries & states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention,” he tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also called an urgent meeting with Health Minister Satyendar Jain and other top officials today on the government’s preparations to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier in the day, health concern was discussed between Modi and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal during a meeting in Parliament.

On Tuesday, six fresh cases of suspected Coronavirus with high viral load was detected in Agra besides one in Lucknow. Apart from Uttar Pradesh, there is at least one case in Delhi, one in Telangana and one in Jaipur, where a traveller from Italy showed signs.

With a positive case in Delhi, two schools in Noida have been shut as a precautionary measure.

With the threat of COVID-19 looming large, the government has tightened the entry conditions for the nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan with immediate effect. As per the revised travel advisory issued on Tuesday by the Union Health Ministry, new travellers from these countries will have to apply for fresh visas.

“All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including the Visa on arrival for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate,” the revised advisory states.

The visa restrictions also apply to all foreign nationals, who have travelled to the Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after February 1, and who have not yet entered India. Those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.

While diplomats, officials of the UN and other international bodies, the OCI cardholders and aircrew from above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry, they will have to undergo a mandatory medical screening.

The passengers of all the 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 port of entry.

Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travelling to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.

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