India has suspended issuing electronic-visas, or e-visas, to Chinese passport holders and applicants of other nationalities residing in the world’s most populous country in wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The e-Visa facility for Chinese passport holders has been temporarily suspended and the e-Visa already issued to Chinese nationals is not valid temporarily. The government also said that the facility for submitting the application online for the physical visa from China is suspended.
In its advisory, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also said anyone with travel history to China since January 15 could be quarantined. The Ministry further mentioned that people having compelling reasons to visit India can contact the India embassy in Beijing or consulate in Shanghai or Guangzhou.
On the other hand, the Cabinet Secretary held a high-level review meeting on the preparedness for coronavirus with Secretaries of Health and Family Welfare, External Affairs, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation, Dept of Health Research, and representatives from ITBP, AFMS and NDMA.
As of February 2nd, 2020, 58,658 passengers from 445 flights have been screened. Total of 142 symptomatic travellers picked up by the IDSP have been referred to the isolation facilities. 130 samples have been tested of which 128 have been found to be negative. The two positive cases found in Kerala are being monitored and are clinically stable.
The second batch of 330 passengers (including 7 Maldivan citizens)from Wuhan have arrived in India. Of these, 300 (including 7 Maldivan citizens) are housed at ITBP Chawla Camp and 30 are in Manesar. “They are being effectively monitored,” the Ministry said.
Photo: Twitter
