As of Tuesday, over 400 people have died due to epidemic and around 20,000 people have been tested positive to the virus infection in China.

In a letter issued by the Bureau of Immigartion, Ministry of Home Affairs, Kolkata, the government said, "All airlines are informed not to take on board any passenger from China, including Chinese or other foreign nationals who may be holding valid (electronic travel authority) ETA/e-visa to board their aircraft for any destination in India."

The letter for the implementation of the order read, "starts with immediate effect and shall remain in force till further notice." The notice was signed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Kolkata.

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However, the decision came into knowledge followed by the consent forms signed by 650 Indians for evacuation by the government from China. Each one of them has been brought back and now in Delhi are undergoing a 14-day quarantine process.

Shortly after the evacuation, the Indian embassy in China had said, "Due to certain current developments, travel to India on e-visas stands temporarily suspended with immediate effect."

It had also informed that "holders of already issued e-visas were no longer valid."

However, the embassy has asked Indian citizens in China to contact them in Beijing or consulates an Indian visa application centres in Shanghai and Guangzhou in case there was a "compelling reason" to visit India.