NEW DELHI: 15 Italian tourists who reached India have been tested positive for coronavirus (COVID 19). 21 were yesterday quarantined at ITBP facility in New Delhi. The tests conducted at AIIMS were found positive. The number of people infected with the disease has touched 18. The tourists from Italy were confirmed of the virus when they reached to visit Jaipur. This was confirmed by the Union Health Ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the other day stated that extensive preparations have been taken to combat the virus. He also had an extensive review regarding the preparedness on COVID-19. "Different ministries and states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention," tweeted Modi yesterday.

Meantime, the educational ministry in UAE has announced holiday for all schools for a month from March 8 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. The holidays are applicable to public and private schools and higher education institutions. The move is part of preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the students. The ministry has also announced the launch of a distance learning initiative ahead of the holidays.

The World Bank has announced a 12 billion dollar package to combat COVID 19. The main objective of the program is to help countries getting immunized. The announcement was made by World Bank President David Malpass. COVID 19 will pose a great burden to poor countries. So they will need more funds for it. The World Bank claimed that emergency aid was granted for this purpose.