A file photo of an official using a thermal screening device on a local in wake of coronavirus outbreak. (Photo:PTI)

In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, Rajiv Gauba said such a gap in the monitoring of international passengers may seriously jeopardise the efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, given that many amongst the persons who have tested positive for the virus so far in India have a history of international travel.

The cabinet secretary said that between the start of the screening process on January 18 and order to suspend all flights on March 23, over 15 lakh passengers arrived in India.

"However, there appears to be a gap between the number of international passengers who need to be monitored by the states/UTs and the actual number of passengers being monitored. Thus, it may seriously jeopardise our effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, given that many amongst the persons who have tested positive for Covid-19 so far in India have a history of international travel," Rajiv Gauba said in his letter.

"It is important that they are put under close surveillance to prevent the spread of the epidemic. I understand that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has repeatedly emphasised thus and requested the states and UTs to take immediate steps in this regard.

The cabinet secretary ended the letter with urging states and UTs to ensure that concerted and sustained action is taken urgently to put such passengers udner survillence immediately as per MoHFW guidelines.

As of Friday afternoon, the death toll due to Covid-19 in India was 17 with the number of novel coronavirus cases climbing to 724.

According to the data, the number of active Covid-19 cases in the country stood at 640, while 66 people were either cured or discharged and one had migrated. The total number of 724 cases included 47 foreign nationals, the ministry said.