COVID-19: IAF Evacuates Second Batch Of Stranded Indians From Iran

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) flew home on Thursday another batch of stranded Indian pilgrims from Iran. An IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft reached the Hindon airbase in Haryana a short while ago. The passengers will be screened and tested and kept in isolation for the mandatory period before they will be discharged.

Even as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to be a global pandemic, India has begun preparing itself for an outbreak. The Government of India has suspended all visas barring diplomats, officials, UN/ International Organisations, employment, project visas. Visa free travel for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders, has also been cancelled.

There have been more than 60 cases of COVID-19 India so far. The Central government and state administrations across the country are bracing for an outbreak and state governments have set up control rooms with helpline numbers.

Primary health care is a challenge which is worsened by density of population, experts point out. Therefore, early detection of symptoms becomes difficult in view of lack of awareness. Experts agree that India has only 52 laboratories and not many hospitals in the country have isolation wards. Similarly, there are other related issues of infrastructure.

Meanwhile, a man was arrested in Bhiwandi for dumping 100,000 unused face masks an open plot. Police are reportedly questioning him.

The Government of India has also advised all Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel of any kind. The Union Health ministry also said that on the return they could be subjected to a 14 day quarantine.

The Centre has invoked provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 to tackle COVID-19.

IPL 2020 To Be Postponed?

The governing council of Indian Premier League is scheduled to meet on March 14 on the issue of rescheduling or cancelling IPL 2020. The Maharashtra Health Minister stated that there was unanimity of opinion in Maharashtra government on cancelling the IPL tournament or matches to be held in Mumbai.