Ahead of Holi, PM modi tweeted, "Experts across the world have advised to reduce the mass gatherings to aviod the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme."
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However, on Tuesday, PM Modi had urged people to not panic as India affirmed 6 confirmed cases of infection. On Wednesday, AIIMS said from the group of Italian tourists in India, 15 have been tested positive to the coronavirus. However, to determine the exact condition, suspected infected persons are yet to undergo further tests. The group of Italian tourists have been quarantined in New Delhi.
The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said all regular visas/e-visas granted on or before March 3 to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan, who have not yet entered India, stand suspended in view of the emerging global scenarios regarding COVID19 disease.
India, on February 4, had cancelled the existing visas for Chinese nationals and foreigners who had visited the neighbouring country in the preceding two-week period, following the outbreak of Coronavirus which has now spread to over 60 countries and claimed over 3,100 lives. Over 90,000 have been infected all over the world.
Visa on arrival (VoA) issued on or before March 3 to Japanese and South Korean nationals, who have not yet entered India, have also been suspended.