27th February 2020

Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare

Government of India

New Delhi

Hon’ble Minister Sir,

Sub: Panic Created in Italy due to Travel Advisory on Novel Coronavirus issued by Ministry of Health on 26th February 2020

Attached travel advisory on Novel Coronavirus issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on 26th February 2020 has created lot of confusion and panic amongst the tourists coming from Italy, Korea and Iran.

It is mentioned in the advisory that

Quote “People coming from Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy or having such travel history since 10th February 2020 may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to India” Unquote”

It is requested that Revised Travel Advisory should be issued by Ministry of Health and it should clarify mention that “travelers found with symptoms will be quarantined” in place of “may be quarantined”. 

Further, based on the Travel Advisory issued by our Health Ministry, on the following link an advisory has been posted on Italian Government website for travel to India  http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/aggiornamento/ultima_ora/ULTIMORA_MARKER_12421

This has created panic in Italy and heavy cancellations have started coming in as travelers have the apprehensions in their mind that they will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival in India.

We have also taken up this matter with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India with the above request.

This needs your urgent intervention please.

Thanking you and with best regards,

Sincerely,

Pronab Sarkar

President

(M) 9811102111

Copy to:-

Ms. Preeti Sudan

Secretary (H&FW)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Government of India

New Delhi

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