Centre gears up for evacuation bid
New Delhi, Jan. 27: The Centre on Monday decided to take steps for possible evacuation of over 250 Indians from Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, and announced a raft of precautionary measures to deal with suspected cases.
A meeting chaired by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba reviewed India’s preparedness to deal with the virus amid mounting global concern over increasing number of cases in China and several other countries.
In India, no case has been detected so far though nearly 450 people have been kept under observation in the country, most of them in Kerala, following screening for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus.
Some, who have returned from China in recent weeks, have approached medical authorities as a precautionary step.
Till Monday, a total 33,552 passengers arriving in India from China in 155 flights have been screened.
“4,359 passengers in 18 flights from China screened on Monday for nCoV. No (positive) case has been found in the country so far,” a senior health official said.
4,359 passengers in 18 flights from China screened on Monday for nCoV. No (positive) case has been found in the country so far — A SENIOR OFFICIAL
The meeting in Delhi presided by the cabinet secretary decided to take a a series of precautionary measures including screening of people at international ports having traffic from China as well as at the integrated check posts across the border with Nepal.
Officials said ministry of external affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities for evacuation of Indian nationals, mostly students, stuck in Wuhan city.
“It was decided that steps may be taken to prepare for possible evacuation of Indian nationals in Wuhan. Accordingly, ministry of external affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities,” a government statement said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani have urged the Centre to take steps to bring back students from their states who are studying in Wuhan.