India will set up testing lab for COVID 19 in Iran keeping in view of novel coronavirus outbreak and Indians stranded there, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan informed media on Wednesday.

The minister said that one scientist from India has already left for Iran, more scientists will be leaving later in the day at 4 p.m. in the evening.

"We have been communicating at all possible platforms with Iranian government. If the Iranian government gives consent, we will establish testing labs there. So that the Indians who are to be brought back can be screened and tested there itself before their return."

The minister also said that at present there are 15 labs in India that are conducting tests of COVID-19. "We have directed 19 more labs to conduct the tests. Out of which 7 are already Afunctional, rest will start working today itself."

In the view of containing the disease and as an anticipatory measure the Health Ministry said that all the foreign nationals will be screened for the disease at the airports from now irrespective of the fact whether they have come to India from COVID affected countries or not.

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At least 28 cases of new coronavirus have been reported from India. The virus has affected more than 60 countries across the globe. Symptoms of COVID-19 disease are cold, cough, pneumonia and shortness of breath. The minister said that simple hygiene practices can help fighting the disease. (IANS)