COVID-19: India to set up coronavirus test labs for Indian nationals in Italy

In a weekly media briefing today, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that such laboratories are likely to be set up in Rome and Milan.

According to an advisory issued by the government, Indians travelling from Italy and the Republic of Korea have to compulsorily produce a COVID-19 certificate to deboard their flights in India.

Since commercial flights to and from Italy are operating, Indians with COVID-19 negative certificates can take those flights to return back, the MEA said. 

According to reports, at least 45 Indians are stuck at Rome airport with Emirates airline not allowing them board, saying they won't be allowed to deboard in India.

Asked how Indians desirous of getting back can reach the test centers to be set up by the Indian government for acquiring COVID-19 negative certificates, in a situation when almost entire Italy has been quarantined, it was said that the help and guidance to reach such test centres will be provided by the Indian mission in Italy.

In a fresh advisory issued today, from March 13, all incoming travellers, including Indian nationals arriving from any destination and having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany on or after February 15, 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT at the port of departure of such travelers, it added.

It is mandatory for all people travelling from outside India to disclose their full details of travel history and the place of their stay in the country, though there are still no penalties for not doing so, it was said in the press conference. However, the immigration officials have been directed to deny entry to the foreigners if they deny providing the information, while Indians unwilling to reveal their travel details and place of stay shall be quarantined, it was added.

Todays advisory has also said that  all existing visas issued to nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/International organizations, Employment, Project visas stand suspended till April 15, 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13, 2020 at the port of departure of any foreigner for onward journey to India. 

About Indians who want to travel to other countries, the MEA said travels made for employment, wedding and medical emergencies fall in the category of compelling reason though no specific definition has been given to it. Since COVID-19 is spreading fast, it is advisable not to travel outside India unless it is for a compelling reason which an individual must decide.

Similarly, Indian nationals abroad are advised to stay put wherever they are if they can, unless it is extremely necessary for them to travel back to India.

Asked about the fate of the mega cricket tournament IPL, which is set to start on March 29, in the wake of cancellations of all visas to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Our view is that this is a decision to be taken by the organisers. No specific recommendations have been sought or made by MEA regarding hosting IPL or any other sporting event in India." 

The MEA said post the travel restrictions and advisories, the Indians travelling to India has reduced. On Feb 20  around 6,000 Indians came from outside, but the number has reduced to 43,000 as of March 10.

With the new advisory, the number will come down further, it added.

About the cancellation of the existing OCI cards, it was briefed that such cardholders will have to get visa from the nearest Indian mission if they need to travel to India as visa-free travel facility granted to OCI cardholders has been suspended from March 13, 2020 till April 15, 2020.

India has not cancelled flight operations to any country and the decision to provide services in a particular route is the prerogative of the carriers, it was said.

Asked if India is providing assistance to other countries, the MEA said the request by Maldives and Bhutan for essential commodities to contain and fight COVID-19 is being processed.

The MEA said that Indians, who test positive for coronavirus in foreign countries, will be treated in those countries in the same way India is taking care of the 17 infected foreign nationals, who are on their way to recovery.