New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, here on Thursday, hailed the coordination between various wings of government and services for evacuation of Indians and foreign nationals from coronavirus-hit zones.

He said 124 evacuees from Japan and 119 from China had been quarantined at Manesar and Chawla, respectively.

Of the 138 Indians on cruise ship Diamond Princess, 119 out of 122 who tested negative as per the latest PCR test had been brought back, he said. Three Indians opted to stay there.

Sixteen are in Japanese hospitals and quarantined. Five foreigners were among those evacuated from Japan.

Health Ministry officials of the rank of Joint Secretary and above are visiting states to assess their preparedness to tackle COVID-19. "These visits will ensure strengthening of the state surveillance machinery and address their concerns. A checklist has been provided to them for compliance. They will submit the report by March 2," he said.

As many as 4,82,927 passengers have been screened from 4,787 flights. Screening at 21 airports, 12 major and 65 minor seaports and land crossings, particularly bordering Nepal, is on.

Passengers are being further monitored through IDSP network on a daily basis. At present, 23,531 passengers are under community surveillance through IDSP.