Coronavirus: Centre advises citizens to refrain from travelling to affected countries

Amid Coronavirus (Covid-19) breakout, in which 8 cases have been confirmed in India so far, Government has issued an advisory related to virus. In advisory dated March 3, 2020, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has suspended all regular visas granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan issued on or before March 3, with immediate effect. Visas granted to foreign nationals who have travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after February 2 and have t entered India yet have also been suspended. 

Diplomats, officials of UN to be exempted from restrictions

Diplomats, officials of UN and or international bodies have been exempted from any restriction, however, ir medical screening is compulsory. As per advisory issued, passengers of all international flights entering India are also required to furnish a duly filled self-declaration stating ir personal information and travel history. Meanwhile, Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travelling to China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy and or Covid-19 affected areas. Here is full advisory: 

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PM holds extensive review meeting

Earlier in day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held an extensive review meeting regarding preparedness. Taking to microblogging site, PM Modi said that re is need to panic. He also mentioned that different ministries and states are working toger to provide prompt medical attention. 

India had earlier reported three cases from Kerala, including two medical students from Wuhan in China, epicentre of deadly vel coronavirus. y had self-reported on ir return to country and tested positive for infection. y were discharged from hospitals last month following recovery. fatal pathogen has w spread to over 60 countries with more than 90,000 confirmed cases and has claimed more than 3,000 lives worldwide. 

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UN releases fund

United Nations has released $15 million from Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help fund global efforts to contain vel coronavirus COVID-19. UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock anunced release of fund after World Health Organisation (WHO) raised alert to its top level of risk assessment - ‘very high’.

UN funding has been released for WHO and UNICEF to help essential activities including monitoring spread of virus, investigating cases, and operation of national laboratories. WHO has called for $675 million in funding to combat deadly virus. WHO Director-General said that biggest concern is countries with weaker health systems.

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