WHO declares Coronavirus a global epidemic - The India Saga

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WHO declares Coronavirus a global epidemic

Within hours of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic, the Delhi government…

WHO declares Coronavirus a global epidemic

Within hours of the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) a global pandemic, the Delhi government declared the closure of all schools, colleges and cinema halls in the Capital till March 31 as a measure to counter the coronavirus.
All existing visas (except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas) stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from midnight of 13th March 2020 at the port of departure. Visa-free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till 15th April 2020. OCI card holders already in India can stay in India as long as they want.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the Delhi government had shut the primary schools earlier this month, the secondary classes were left open in view of the exams. “All cinema halls to remain shut in Delhi till 31st March. Schools and colleges where exams are not being held will also remain closed,” he said.  Delhi has also declared coronavirus as an epidemic.
The Delhi government’s move came as the number of people affected by coronavirus in the country rose to 73, Kerala had the most cases — 17. Several states, including Kerala, have also shut educational institutions and crowded places like cinema halls.
In Maharashtra, where 10 cases have been reported, the government has banned ticket sales for the 2020 Indian Premier League opener between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The match was to be held on March 29.
With over 118,000 coronavirus cases sweeping across 114 countries of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is constantly monitoring and reviewing the situation with the top officials of the concerned Ministries/Departments and States/UTs.
An official spokesperson said IndiaÂs response was initiated on 8th January, much before WHO declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency on 30th Jan, 2020. States were directed for health sector preparedness on 17th Jan, 2020. Same day, point of entry surveillance was also initiated.
Various measures have been taken by the Central Ministries along with States/UTs in terms of strengthened community surveillance, quarantine facilities, isolation wards, adequate PPEs, trained manpower, rapid response teams for management of COVID-19. Screening at airports was started on 17th January at 3 airports (Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata) which was extended to 4 more airports (Chennai, Cochin, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) on 21st Jan, 2020 and subsequently extended to 30 airports. All incoming passengers are being universally screened at the 30 airports. Similarly, screening was initiated for vessels arriving at 12 major ports and 65 non-major ports, an official statement said.
So far, India has evacuated 900 Indian citizens along with 48 belonging to other nationalities like Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, US, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru.
In addition, 83 evacuees from Italy who arrived yesterday have been housed at Manesar facility for quarantine. All patients in the hospitals are being treated and reported to be stable.
On the directions of the Prime Minister, a high-level Group of Ministers was constituted to continuously monitor the situation and evaluate preparedness and formulate measures regarding management of COVID-19 in the country. The GoM has met 6 times so far, guiding, reviewing and monitoring the situation.
In view of the rapidly evolving situation, two meetings of the GoM were held yesterday. The GoM deliberated on various precautionary measures which may be considered in the interest of the citizens of India. Based on the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries chaired by Cabinet Secretary, the GoM made some important decisions last evening which are as follows:
Meanwhile, visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid and they may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc. of their visa or grant of any consular service, if they choose to do so.
Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
In addition to Visa restrictions already in place, passengers traveling from /having visited Italy or Republic of Korea and desirous of entering India will need certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from the designated laboratories authorized by the health authorities of these countries.
All incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15th February, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.
Incoming travellers, including Indian nationals, are advised to avoid non-essential travel and are informed that they can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
Indian nationals are further strongly advised to refrain from travelling to China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
All incoming international passengers returning to India should self- monitor their health and follow required doÂs and donÂts as detailed by the Government.
International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. These will be notified separately by M/o Home Affairs.
All international Passengers entering into India are required to furnish duly filled self-declaration form in duplicate (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) to Health Officials and Immigration officials and undergo Universal Health Screening at the designated health counters at all Points of Entry.
As of now, 73 cases are confirmed for COVID-19. Three of these cases from Kerala have recovered and been discharged.

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