NEW DELHI - Indian authorities Thursday announced visa of arrival facilities for the nationals of Japan and South Korea have been suspended in wake of COVID-19.

"In view of threat posed by COVID-19, visa on arrival facilities to nationals of Japan and South Korea is suspended with immediate effect," reads a communication issued by Bureau of Immigration, federal home ministry at Anna International Airport, Chennai. "All concerned airlines are hereby directed to only accept those passengers from these countries who have a regular visa on their passports."

The order as per directions comes into force with immediate effect.

Indian has reported three confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, they were immediately quarantined and later discharged from the hospital after showing signs of improvement.

India's federal health ministry launched a helpline number to provide support to people regarding queries on COVID-19. Health teams have been deployed at 21 airports, seaports and border crossings across the country to screen the visitors.

The health ministry is also circulating the precautionary measures recommended by World Health Organization for the COVID-19 prevention.