COVID-19 Now A Pandemic, Says WHO; India Confirms 60 Cases

Over 1,18,000 positive cases have been reported globally across 114 countries

- Bindu Shajan Perappadan

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that according to its assessment, COVID-19 “can be characterised as a pandemic”.

“WHO has been assessing this outbreak round-the-clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” it said.

According to the WHO, a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations. It noted with concern that 1,18,000 positive cases had been reported in 114 countries, and more than 90% of cases were in just four.

Visas suspended

With 60 confirmed cases in India, the Central government on Wednesday issued a travel advisory stating that all existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment and project visas, stand suspended till April 15, and this order will come into effect from March 13 at the port of departure.

The new advisory, issued following a meeting of the Group of Ministers, noted that visa-free travel facility granted to OCI card holders would be kept in abeyance till April 15. It added that any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian mission and all incoming travellers, including Indian nationals arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after February 15 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.

“Provision for testing primarily for students/compassionate cases in Italy to be made and collection for samples to be organised accordingly. Those tested negative will be allowed to travel and will be quarantined on arrival in India for 14 days,” the release added.