Medical staff leave a hospital in Mumbai wearing face masks. India has 73 confirmed coronavirus patients and the government has advised citizens against travel overseas. AFP
Medical staff leave a hospital in Mumbai wearing face masks. India has 73 confirmed coronavirus patients and the government has advised citizens against travel overseas. AFP
Medical staff leave a hospital in Mumbai wearing face masks. India has 73 confirmed coronavirus patients and the government has advised citizens against travel overseas. AFP
Medical staff leave a hospital in Mumbai wearing face masks. India has 73 confirmed coronavirus patients and the government has advised citizens against travel overseas. AFP

Coronavirus: India suspends visas for all foreign nationals


Ramola Talwar Badam
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India’s suspension of visas for all foreign nationals coming into the country from midnight on Friday will help contain the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.

New Delhi announced sweeping measures late on Wednesday that revoked all previously issued entry documents barring diplomatic, United Nations, employment and project visas.

The suspension of visas will continue until April 15, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

"All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, United Nations and other international organisations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020," the statement said.

All Indians travelling back home including non-resident Indians (NRIs) may be subject to a 14-day quarantine depending on the decision taken by health officials at the airport.

India’s federal health ministry said that the country did not yet have cases of community transmission when the deadly virus spreads quickly within an area.

A staff member walks inside an empty classroom of a school after Kerala state government ordered the closure of schools across the state, amid coronavirus fears, in Kochi, India March 12, 2020. REUTERS/Sivaram V
A staff member walks inside an empty classroom of a school after Kerala state government ordered the closure of schools across the state, amid coronavirus fears, in Kochi, India March 12, 2020. REUTERS/Sivaram V

“We have only a few cases that have come from outside and they have primarily affected their close family members,” Lav Aggarwal, joint secretary in the Health Ministry, told the press on Thursday.

“Right now, luckily for India we do not have any community transmission.”

India has 73 confirmed coronavirus patients and the government has advised citizens against travel overseas.

“This suspension of visas covers all foreign nationals who were planning to travel to India,” said Vipul, India’s Consul General in Dubai.

“NRIs can also be placed under quarantine when they reach the airport as per the advisory.

“We don’t have too many coronavirus cases in India right now so it’s better to take this precaution at this stage when it can help contain the situation."

The UAE too cautioned its nationals against travelling to India following the advisory.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation asked UAE nationals to be mindful of instructions issued by the Indian government that “all foreigners holding Indian visas of all kinds will be barred from entering India until further notice as a precautionary measure taken.”

The UAE embassy in New Delhi has asked its citizens in India to register on the Twajudi service that helps UAE missions to contact and help them to return back home safely in case of an emergency.

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How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

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