All international flights to be screened for COVID-19; 28 positive cases so far in India: Health minister

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said 28 positive cases of coronavirus have been detected so far in India and anunced that all international flights and passengers will w have to undergo screening, and t just 12 countries listed earlier.

Addressing media, Vardhan said if Iranian government lent its support, a testing facility could be set up re as well. This will help bring back Indian citizens from Iran after a thorough screening, he said.

Vardhan also said that he met Delhi health minister and civic body officials, and urged m to augment facilities of isolation wards in city hospitals.

READ | US Anunces Emergency Interest Rate Cut Amid Coronavirus Dread

Giving a breakup of those who tested positive for virus, minister said out of total 28 COVID-19 cases in India, one person was from Delhi, six of his relatives in Agra, 16 Italians and ir Indian driver, one in Telangana and three earlier cases in Kerala.

He also said that so far, 5,89,000 people have been screened at airports, over 10 lakh screened at borders with Nepal and around 27,000 were currently under community surveillance.

READ | South Korean President Cancels Tri-nation Visit Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

READ | Coronavirus: All 6 Samples From ida Test Negative, Say Officials