The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 73 in India on Thursday. The number of cases across the globe has risen to more than 120000 with over 4000 deaths.
The Indian government in a statement released informed that all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till April 15.
The government took the decision after detailed deliberations on preventive measures, actions taken and preparedness for Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that around 6,000 Indians are currently stranded in Iran. Of them, 1,100 are pilgrims from Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir. There are 300 students as well. Jaishankar also asked Indians to avoid all non-essential travels after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a pandemic.
A medical team is being sent to Italy to conduct test on the stranded Indians. Those testing negative will be allowed to travel back to the country, Jaishankar said in the Lok Sabha.
US President Donald Trump has announced a 30-day ban on all travel from Europe to United States to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, Trump specified that the restriction would not apply to the United Kingdom.
