ZCZC
BSS-31
INDIA-EU-SUMMIT-CORONAVIRUS
Modi postpones his Brussels visit amid coronavirus outbreak
By Aminul Islam Mirja
NEW DELHI, Mar 5, 2020 (BSS) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his Brussels visit for the India-EU Summit, which has been deferred due to the coronavirus outbreak that claimed more than 3000 lives and infected more than 90,000 worldwide so far.
Prime Minister Modi was supposed to visit Brussels to attend the India-EU Summit, an annual event aimed at expanding the strategic partnership later this month, official sources said here today.
“The decision has been taken in the spirit of close cooperation between the EU and India who share same concerns and commitment to global health and hope that the outbreak is contained soon,” spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said at a press briefing here today.
“With regards to the India-EU Summit, both sides have agreed that due to the health authorities advising against travel between regions, it would be wise to reschedule the summit to a later mutually convenient date, he said.
Meanwhile, PM Modi has already decided not to participate in any celebratory events for Holi this year in view of the outbreak of coronavirus that infected 30 people including 16 Italian tourists in the country so far.
“Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year, I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme,” Modi tweeted yesterday.
However, the Delhi government today ordered the closure of all primary schools in the state till March 31 in the wake of coronavirus threat.
“All government, aided, private, MCD and NDMC schools will remain closed till March 31 to prevent the possibility of spread of COVID-19 among children,” said an official order here.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted,” As a precautionary measure to prevent the possibility of spread of COVID-19 amongst our children, Delhi Government has directed immediate closure of all primary schools (Govt/ aided/private/MCD/NDMC) till 31/3/20.”
Besides, the Indian government today issued an additional travel advisory asking those arriving in the country from coronavirus-affected Italy, South Korea to procure a certificate showing them having tested negative for the deadly virus.
The advisory will come into force on March 10 and is a temporary measure till cases of COVID-19 subside, according to an official handout here today.
BSS/AIM/KU/1904 HRS