India On Self Quarantine Amidst COVID 19 Pandemic

Shruti Barpande

Docplexus Editorial Team

The coronavirus outbreak, which is now a pandemic, has caused worldwide panic. Countries are ensuring that their citizens are safe and the virus is not spread. On similar fronts, the Indian government has issued an advisory to the Bureau of Immigration to suspend visas. Further, the government has issued guidelines for home quarantine. In lines with the coronavirus outbreak, all the tourist visas to France, Germany, and Spain nationals have been suspended. The suspension will be applicable till 15th April 2020. Who is refrained? The government has strongly advised Indians to refrain from traveling to several countries. Additionally, several foreign nationals who are in India have also been refrained from overseas travel. The individuals whose visa are canceled include – The nationals of France, Germany, and Spain who have been granted a visa on or before 11th March 2020 but have not yet entered India. All foreign nationals who have a travel history of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and China on or after 1st February 2020. Indian nationals who wish to travel to the above-mentioned countries. Individuals with overseas citizenship of India and visa-free travel facility. Who is exempted from suspension? The individuals who are exempted from the visa suspension include – Foreign nationals who are in India, these individuals can avail of an extension of their visa. Individuals with diplomatic, official, UN/International organizations, employment, and project visa. Quarantine Guidelines In the wake of these happenings, the ministry of health and family welfare has also issued guidelines for home quarantine. The Indian and foreign nationals, including those who are exempted from visa suspension, are advised to undergo self-imposed quarantine for 14 days. The key features of the guidelines are as follows – A minimum of 14-days of quarantine is essential for suspected and infected individuals. Infected individuals should stay in a well-ventilated room with separate toilet and should maintain at least 1m distance from the family members. Infected individuals should stay away from elderly people, pregnant women, children, and people with co-morbidities. Infected individuals should restrict their movements within the house and strictly refrain from attending social gatherings. Every individual in the house should consistently sanitize; avoid sharing utensils, clothes, bed, towels. The infected individual should wear masks that should be changed every 6-8 hours. The disposed masks should be disinfected with 5% ordinary bleach solution or 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Only assigned individuals should take care of the infected person. Activities like shaking and dusting of solid linen should be strictly avoided. The toilets, frequently touched surfaces, linen, clothes should be cleaned with household bleach while wearing gloves. The practitioners are essential point-of-contacts in this scenario and hold the responsibility of spreading awareness and knowledge or prevention and quarantine guidelines. Sources – Times of India

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