India bars all international flights for one week

Thursday, 19 March 2020 at 16:22

India on Thursday announced its decision to ban all international commercial flights from landing in the country, starting March 22.

The week-long ban is part of efforts by the Indian government to contain the spread of coronavirus.

It comes just days after India suspended visas for the vast majority of foreign travellers.

The government also announced a curfew - 7:00 am to 9:00 pm - on Sunday, March 22.

In an address, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised people to stay at home and avoid public places or gatherings.

He has also advised citizens above 65 and children below 10 to stay at home.

States have also been instructed to start remote work plans for private sector, except for emergency and essential services.

So far, the country has registered 173 coronavirus cases and four deaths.

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