COVID-19 declared ‘pandemic’ by WHO; India suspends all visas as confirmed cases climb to 60
More than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries, and two of those – China and the Republic of Korea – have significantly declining epidemics.
By IAR Desk
The World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 a pandemic earlier today. At a press briefing Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, pointed out that there are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4291 people have lost their lives.
“In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of COVID-19 cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher. WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.
We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic,” Dr. Ghebrevesus said.
Therefore, he said, “COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.”
However, he pointed out, there was reason to be optimistic, and not panic.
Of the 118,000 cases reported globally in 114 countries, more than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries – China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy, and two of those – China and the Republic of Korea – have significantly declining epidemics.
81 countries have not reported any cases, and 57 countries have reported 10 cases or less.
Dr. Ghebreyesus underscored: “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”
In view of this, the Government of India has announced a number of measures as COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 60 today.
- All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till April 15th 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.
- All incoming travelers, including Indians, arriving from or having visited China,Italy,Iran,Republic of Korea, France, Spain & Germany after 15th Feb, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. It will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure
- Incoming travelers, 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 strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. On their return, they can be subjected to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days.
- 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
- Provision for testing primarily for students/compassionate cases in #Italy Italy to be made and collection for samples to be organized accordingly. Those tested negative will be allowed to travel and will be quarantined on arrival in India for 14 days.
