India announces quarantine for UAE, Gulf passengers

The Indian government has announced it will quarantine all passengers travelling from or transiting through the UAE and three other GCC countries.

The 14-day minimum quarantine period is applicable for people flying from the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

It comes into effect on Wednesday, March 18, according to a tweet from India's Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Compulsory quarantine expanded for a minimum period of 14 days for passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman & Kuwait. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 18th March 2020 at the port of first departure. #IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (Modi Ka Pariwar) (@drharshvardhan) March 16, 2020

India has also barred the entry of passengers from European Union (EU) countries, the UK, Turkey and the European Free Trade Association.

Travel of passengers from member countries of the #EU, #EuropeanFreeTradeAssociation, #Turkey & #UK to India is prohibited with effect from 18th March,2020. No airline shall board a passenger from these nations to India w.e.f. 1200 GMT,18th March 2020. #IndiaFightsCorona

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (Modi Ka Pariwar) (@drharshvardhan) March 16, 2020

The latest directives are part of India’s preventive measures against COVID-19. They are applicable until March 31 and will be reviewed after that.

All these guidelines issued today are temporary measures and shall be in force till 31st March 2020 and shall be reviewed subsequently as required. #IndiaFightsCorona #Coronaindia #COVID2019 @MoHFW_INDIA @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @HMOIndia

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (Modi Ka Pariwar) (@drharshvardhan) March 16, 2020