Rohit Shishodia
The Indian government is taking all preventive measures ranging from screening travelers coming from China to giving directives to states’ chiefs for preventive steps.

India’s Cabinet Secretary is personally monitoring the situation. In a review meeting held on January 27, 2020, the Cabinet Secretary was briefed that 29707 people have been screened at airports. Samples of 12 passengers were referred to NIV Pune. No positive case has been reported so far

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued instructions to airlines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China. The other measures include facilitation of in-flight announcements and distribution of health cards to all flights with direct or indirect connectivity to China.

The Home Ministry has directed officials to ensure that integrated check posts initiate screening of visitors across the Nepal border. The Home Ministry has also directed the states to provide health staff for these check posts. SSB/ BSF/Immigration officers manning integrated check posts have been sensitized about the virus.

Ministry of Shipping has also initiated entry screening at the International ports having traffic from China.

The Health Ministry on January 27, 2019, held meeting with Chief Secretaries to review the preparedness and screening in five states having border with Nepal, in addition to Pr. Secretaries (Health) of other states. The Health ministry has directed officials  to ensure that community level monitoring of passengers is undertaken through health staff.

The government has decided to take preventive steps to prepare for possible evacuation of Indian nationals in Wuhan. Accordingly, Ministry of External Affairs will make a request to the Chinese authorities. Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health will make arrangements for transport and quarantine facilities respectively.