Coronavirus cases in India rise to 28, MEA says 17 Indians abroad infected

Coronavirus outbreak LIVE News Updates: In a press briefing Wednesday morning, Union Health Minister said that the total number of patients infected by the coronavirus in India now stands at 28. This includes 16 Italian tourists and their driver, three in Kerala (who have recovered), one in Hyderabad, one in Delhi and six of his relatives in Agra. Meanwhile, the rupee slid as much as 0.4 per cent to 73.6 per dollar earlier in the day becoming the worst-performing Asian currency, according to Bloomberg.

"The government is taking all measures to spread awareness. There is no need to panic but people can avoid mass gatherings," the minister said, adding that universal screening will be put up across airports in the country. PM Modi, BJP chief JP Nadda, Amit Shah earlier today said that he will not participate in the upcoming Holi Milan programmes. The samples of the six people who were in contact with the Delhi patient have been tested negative for coronavirus.

The government has ordered that all international passengers to the country will now have to submit self-declaration forms on arrival. They will have to provide contact details, travel history and possible contact with other people there. India has also suspended all regular visas and e-visas issued to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan issued on or before March 3 and have not entered India yet.

Over 3,000 people have died of coronavirus worldwide, while some 90,000 people have been infected.

(Inputs and image from indianexpress.com)