Coronavirus outbreak: India closes border points with Pakistan

India on Sunday closed its border points with Pakistan in a bid to contain the novel coronavirus, a day after Pakistan reported three additional cases of the novel virus which has infected more than 145,000 across the globe and killed 5,000 people.

A statement by the spokesperson of India’s ministry of foreign affairs announced the border closure.

“All types of passenger movements through all the immigration land check posts located India-Bangladesh, India-Nepal, India-Bhutan and India-Myanmar borders will be suspended with effect from 00:00 hours on March 15, except through a few posts, and at India-Pakistan border with effect from 00:00 hours on March 16 until further orders,” the notification read.

All types of passenger movements through all immigration Land Check Posts located at India’s borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar suspended w.e.f. 0000hrs, Mar15, 2020 & at India-Pakistan border w.e.f. 0000hrs, Mar16, 2020, except at the posts below.#COVID19india pic.twitter.com/YXqNzPKqmW

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 15, 2020

Earlier, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza had revealed that Pakistan was carrying out coronavirus diagnostic tests free of cost.

“Throughout the country, diagnostic tests of the coronavirus are being carried out free,” he said, pointing out that eight government laboratories had been provided coronavirus kits.