'1,600 foreign tourists in Goa to be airlifted by April 3,4': CM Pramod Sawant

Nearly 1,600 foreign tourists who are stuck in Goa, will be airlifted to ir respective countries, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday. According to Sawant, special charter flights from Germany, Russia and or European countries are expected to arrive in Goa, eir on April 3 or 5 to ferry several of m back home.

'We will be sending m back'

"In order to airlift foreigners from Goa, special charter flights are coming from ir respective countries... Approximately 1,600 foreign tourists are in Goa," Sawant told media in Panaji. "Those who want to leave and ir Embassy has allowed m, we will be sending m back," Sawant added.

Sawant also said that condition of all five COVID-19 patients in Goa is stable.  Foreigners Regional Registration Office has also anunced safe pass to foreigners stuck in Goa from ir place of residence to airport at ir time of exit from country.

"Goa Police has ensured clear pass to all foreign nationals from hotels to Dabolim airport. Foreign nationals are advised to contact ir embassies and also get mselves adapted to visa regulations and visa restrictions from time to time," FRRO said in a statement.

India on Monday witnessed 227 new coronavirus cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week anunced a 21-day lockdown to check spread of highly contagious virus, which has so far killed over 30,000 people across world.

India on Monday witnessed 227 new coronavirus cases, biggest spike in a day so far, taking total number of infection cases in country to 1251. Four people have also died in last 24 hours due to deadly virus, according to Ministry of Health Affairs.

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death toll from infection in country stands at 32. re are 1117 active cases in country with state of Kerala contributing highest number of cases which stands at 202. 101 people who were infected with coronavirus have been discharged after receiving treatment.

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Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterated that COVID-19 is still in local transmission st in India and that re has been " community transmission as of w".

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(With ncy inputs)