Passengers from Middle East to undergo 14-day quarantine: Govt
In view of coronavirus pandemic that has already claimed two lives in India, the Union government on Monday said the 14-day compulsory quarantine will now be expanded for passengers coming from or transiting UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. It also said 53 evacuees from Iran arrived in the country on Monday.
In view of coronavirus pandemic that has already claimed two lives in India, the Union government on Monday (March 16) said the 14-day compulsory quarantine will now be expanded for passengers coming from or transiting UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.
Addressing a press conference, Lav Agarwal, joint secretary, union health ministry, said important measures, like keeping schools shut and allowing employees to work from home, should be maintained till March 31.
“Important measures including closing of schools, swimming pools, malls, allowing employees to work from home, less use of public transport, and maintaining one metre distance between people, should be maintained till March 31,” said Agarwal.
He said the fourth batch comprising 53 evacuees from Iran arrived in the country on Monday, and that they are being quarantined at an Army facility in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It also said local authorities will have dialogue with religious leaders to regulate mass gatherings.
“The fourth batch of 53 evacuates from Iran have arrived today and are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer. All are reported to be asymptomatic as present and are in quarantine as per protocol,” he added.
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The ministry also said contact tracing of positive coronavirus cases has led to identification of over 5,200 contacts who are under surveillance.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday launched helplines for those seeking assistance in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
“All hands on deck! @MEAIndia’s helplines for COVID-19 Control Centre are open. Control Room: 1800118797 (toll free), +91- 11- 23012113, +91- 11- 23014104, +91- 11- 23017905,” tweeted MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
He also shared a fax number — +91- 011-23018158 — and the email address, covid19@mea.gov.in, for those wanting to reach out to the ministry in connection with issues related to the outbreak.
(With inputs from agencies)