Outbreak of Novel Coronavirus in China, (MoHFW) initiates preventive measures

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : As per WHO update (as of 11th January, 2020) in all, 41 cases of Novel Coronavirus have been reported so far from China including one death (further update is awaited)]. As per WHO risk assessment, the risk for global spread, as of now, remains low. Various measures have been initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) , Government of India, as a matter of abundant precaution.

Secretary (H) is constantly reviewing the evolving scenario, developments, and preparedness and response measures being undertaken by the Ministry; Spl. Secretary (H) took a review meeting on January 20, 2020, in the context of spurt in cases reported by China and the public health measures that need to be scaled up; MoHFW has written to Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to facilitate thermal screening at the International airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Cochin for the airlines to follow International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on flights originating from China and disembarking in India. MoCA has instructed for in-flight announcements for India bound flights.

MoHFW has also written to Ministry of External Affairs to provide details of travellers from Wuhan city who have sought visa to travel to India since December 31, 2019, and to counsel the applicants while issuing visa. They have also been requested to provide daily details. As for E-visa issue Ministry of Home Affairs is being approached. The Ministry of External Affairs has also been requested to disseminate travel advisory (in local languages) to Indian Embassies in China and adjoining countries for wider circulation and passenger information, according to a PIB release. As of today, there are no cases detected on community surveillance or contact tracing.