Sj Desk
After two more cases of the deadly coronavirus were confirmed in the country, India intensified its medical screening to contain the virus from spreading.
Keeping in mind the increased number of cases in Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan, the Indian government has declared that all visas (regular and e-visa) issued to their nationals on or before Tuesday have been suspended. In a statement, the government said, “They may not enter India from air, land or seaport. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons may seek fresh visa from nearnest Indian Embassy/Consulate."
The visa suspension for Chinese nationals on or before February 5 will remain in place. The statement said that the visas of all other foreign nationals who are in countries plagued by the novel virus, that were issued on or after February 1, have been suspended.
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In a circumstance where a person wants to enter India due to unavoidable circumstances, they will have to get a fresh visa, said the government.
“Diplomats, officials of UN and other international bodies, OCI cardholders and aircrew from above countries are exempted from such restrictions on entry," said the statement, adding that they will have to compulsorily undergo medical screening.
The statement further said that persons entering Indian from other countries also have to undergo medical screening; they are also required to furnish the details of their travel history.
There is widespread scare and caution after two people-- one from Delhi and one from Telangana, tested positive for COVID-19.
In Delhi, the 45-year-old infected man is admitted to an isolation ward in Delhi’s Safdarjung hospital along with four other family members who are currently awaiting their test results. Health officials are now visiting and calling up everyone the man travelled with or came in contact with since his return on February 26.
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The most common symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, dry cough, muscle pain and difficulty in breathing. A few get headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The health ministry said that those without symptoms will be quarantined at home and asked to call if they develop symptoms, while those with symptoms will be isolated and tested. Although, tracking every person the infected man has come in touch is a near-impossible task.
