First batch of Wuhan evacuees discharged from ITBP facility

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 17

The first batch of 200 Indians evacuated from Wuhan city, the epicentre of novel coronavirus outbreak in China, were discharged from ITBP’s Chawla Camp quarantine facility today after they tested negative.

Seven Maldivian nationals who were among those evacuated on a special Air India flight from Wuhan were among those discharged.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan visited the facility to bid farewell to the persons leaving the quarantine after two weeks. Incubation period for the virus is 14 days which was why anyone returning from Wuhan had to be quarantined for two weeks to rule out infection.

Vardhan sent of everyone with a rose and ITBP calendar. The minister later tweeted, “One rose in the name of good health. The return of 406 Indian citizens evacuated from Wuhan and kept at Chawla camp has begun after they successfully completed their quarantine cycle. I saw off each of the first 200 persons with a rose.”

The ITBP facility is housing 406 evacuees, including seven Maldivian nationals. Among the residents are 192 women and 204 men.

ITBP spokesman Vivek Kumar Pandey said, “About 200 persons will leave for their destination by late today night including seven Maldivians. All residents are likely to be released by tomorrow evening.” Pandey also said Vardhan visited the ITBP facility today and met people being discharged and ITBP doctors and staff taking care of the group. ITBP today provided transport to persons getting discharged.

In all, 647 Indians were evacuated from Wuhan. While 406 were at Chawla camp, the rest are at the Army’s Manesar facility. They too have tested negative and will to get discharged any time now.