India has taken an unprecedented step to halt the spread of the deadly Coronavirus by enforcing a ban on all travelers from entering the country for the next 31 days.
The move, effective from Friday, puts a halt to all tourism to India until at least 15 April. With the number of coronavirus cases in India rising to 72 on Thursday, this marks the strictest measure implemented by any country in response to the Covid-19 epidemic.
The Indian Ministry of Health announced the ban and strongly advised all Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel abroad, with a warning that they could face a 14-day quarantine upon their return.
“Indian nationals presently abroad are advised to avoid non-essential travel,” the ministry stated.
According to the Indian health ministry, tourists with issued visas for upcoming travel to India should consider their visas suspended, and foreigners of Indian origin will also be denied entry.
The Ministry clarified that the travel ban does not apply to those holding diplomatic and long-term employment visas for India, as well as foreigners already present in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on Thursday, “Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions. No Minister of the Central Government will travel abroad in the upcoming days. I urge our countrymen to also avoid non-essential travel. We can break the chain of spread and ensure safety of all by avoiding large gatherings”