Passengers arriving from int'l flights amid coronavirus to be screened; Centre to develop good quality isolation wards in Delhi

New Delhi, February 04: In view of outbreak of COVID 19, novel coronavirus, the Centre on Wednesday announced to conduct universal screening of all passengers arriving from international flights at the airports. It has also asked Delhi government to develop good quality isolation wards in all government hospitals in the national capital.

 

 

Briefing media after chairing a high-level review meeting on coronavirus in New Delhi today, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said 28 cases of novel coronavirus have been reported in the country till date. These cases are 16 Italians and one Indian driver, one in Delhi, six in Agra, one in Telangana and three in Kerala.

"Out of these, three patients from Kerala had recovered few days ago. About five lakh 89 thousand passengers have been screened at the different airports so far. 15 labs have been set up and 19 more are being made operational for novel coronavirus", he noted adding that if the Iranian government lends its support, a testing facility could be set up there as well, which will help bring back Indian citizens from Iran after a thorough screening.

 

He further added that one scientist has been sent to Iran and three more will be sent later today. Dr Harsh Vardhan said Principal Secretary to Prime Minister is also reviewing preparedness for dealing with coronavirus situation in the country. "The Group of Ministers will meet later today to review the situation", he signed off.