277 stranded Indians brought back from Iran, test negative

March 25, 2020
New Delhi: Over 270 Indians stranded in Iran were brought back to India on Wednesday morning, and they have been found coronavirus negative .

Iran-based Mahan Air brought back 277 Indians from Tehran to Delhi and then all the passengers were taken to Jodhpur.

Last week, Centre had given permission to Iran-based Mahan Air for evacuating Indians stuck in the Middle Eastern country due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

As per plans, two ferry flights have been allowed to land in India. These will evacuate around 600 Indians from Iran. The first such flight arrived on Wednesday, while the second flight will be operated on March 28.

Of the 277 Indians, 273 are pilgrims and 4 are non-pilgrim passengers including 5 children and one infant. They arrived early morning on Wednesday in Jodhpur, confirmed officials. This number includes 149 females and 128 males. They Arrived at Jodhpur in Air India aircraft after landing in Delhi by Mahan Air.

All were taken to Army Wellness Facility at Jodhpur Military Station.

Col Sombit Ghosh, PRO, Rajasthan Defence said, “a preliminary screening was conducted at the airport upon arrival and thereafter the evacuees were shifted to the Army Wellness Facility established in Jodhpur Military Station. The Army in coordination with the Rajasthan State Medical authorities and Civil Administration, Jodhpur has made adequate medical and administrative arrangements to cater for a comfortable stay and provide prophylactic medical support. The facility has a dedicated team of Army doctors, who will be constantly monitoring the health parameters of the evacuees for the duration of their stay.”

Additional chief secretary of Rajasthan Rohit Kumar Singh said all the evacuees tested coronavirus negative .
IANS