An advisory desk, ‘Novel Coronavirus Help Desk’, installed at an airport in Visakhapatnam. (Representational image).
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Centre refutes accusations that it was lax towards foreign-return travellers.
It said India acted much before WHO declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of global issue on January 30, to put in place a “extensive reaction system” at its borders.
” Screening of incoming air travelers followed by suspension of visas and restriction on international flights was much ahead of any other country,” the government said, pointing out that Italy and Spain, which are devastated by COVID-19, started screening of visitors after 25 days and 39 days respectively of first reported case.
Screening of passen