Coronavirus in India mapped: How's our country handling the outbreak?

As of March 12, the Union Health Ministry has confirmed a total of 73 cases of COVID-19 in India, including 17 foreign nationals. Read on to know the measures taken by the Indian government to tame the deadly coronavirus from spreading.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus, wear a mask to protect others.

As of March 11, the new coronavirus has infected more than 118,000 people in 114 countries, and claimed 4,291 lives - according to the WHO. The virus first emerged in China's Wuhan on December 31 last year. The World Health organisation (WHO) has already declared the coronavirus epidemic as a global health emergency.

As of March 12, the Union Health Ministry has confirmed a total of 73 cases of COVID-19 in India, including 17 foreign nationals. Of these, maximum cases (17) are reported from Kerala, followed by Haryana (14) Uttar Pradesh (11), Maharashtra (11) and Delhi (6). The other confirmed COVID 2019 cases across India include Karnataka (4), Rajasthan (3), and Union Territory of Ladakh (3).

There are also one confirmed case each from Telengana, Tamil Nadu, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.

With coronavirus cases rising alarmingly in the country, both the central and state governments have taken various precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. Here's a look at some of the measures deployed in India to contain the spread of the virus:

Visa restrictions

The Indian government has suspended visas to German, Spanish and French nationals. People with travel history to Italy, S Korea will also need a 'negative' Covid-19 certificate to enter India.

It has also suspended visa on arrival (VoA) issued on or before March 3 to Japanese and South Korean nationals. Earlier the government suspended regular (sticker) visas/e-visas granted to nationals of China, issued on or before February 5. The restriction remains in force.

Mandatory screening

The health ministry made screening mandatory for all foreign nationals since March 4. The precautionary measure is strictly is followed in most airports now.

Preparedness at the national capital

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has formed a special task force for all 11 districts. According to the CM, isolation wards have been created in 19 government and six private hospitals.

Thermal scanning of all passengers landing from abroad is being conducted at the airport, Kejriwal added.

The Delhi government has also asked head of departments, autonomous bodies and municipal corporations to suspend the biometric attendance system.

Elsewhere in the country

• Mizoram, Manipur have shut their border with Myanmar indefinitely.
• In Kerala, schools and colleges and cinemas have been closed till March 31.
• The Uttar Pradesh government has set up an 18-member committee to monitor the overall situation in the state.
• Telangana has allocated Rs 100 crore for preventing the outbreak.