Gujarat remains coronavirus-free so far

Even as Centre has imposed visa curbs to stop spread of coronavirus in country, positive case of deadly disease has been so far found in Gujarat, where more than 2,600 travellers have been screened at airports till w, said officials on Thursday.

Out of 65 samples of suspected cases collected so far in Gujarat, 63 came negative for vel coronavirus (COVID-19), while two results are awaited, said a release by state health department.

'104' fever helpline is getting over 200 calls seeking information about deadly virus, it said.

A total of 2,611 travellers have been screened at Ahmedabad and Surat international airports so far, release said.

Moreover, 1,217 travellers, who were kept under observation upon ir return, have completed ir 28-day observation period, health department said.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel had informed Assembly that over 2,300 people, mostly crew members, on-board 55 ships were also screened at major ports in Gujarat.

As a precautionary measure, as many as 576 isolation beds and 204 ventilators have been kept reserved at different government hospitals in state, officials added.

On Wednesday, India suspended all visas, except a few categories such as diplomatic and employment, till April 15 in a bid to contain spread of vel coronavirus.

central government has also "strongly advised" Indians to avoid all n-essential travel abroad.

Representative Im