Four foreign nationals have tested positive for Covid in RT-PCR tests carried out at Bihar’s Gaya Airport and have been kept in isolation at a hotel.

The foreign nationals from Myanmar, Thailand and England, had come to visit Bodh Gaya, a major site for Buddhist pilgrimage, which is hosting the Bodh Mahotsav. Hundreds of devotees from around the world are expected to arrive for the event.

Dr Ranjan Singh, medical officer in charge of Gaya district, said that  although the cases are not serious, the authorities are taking all necessary precautions to avoid spread of the disease.

The foreign nationals were tested at the international airport at the weekend as part of the procedure that has been put in place for the Bodh Mahotsav. Over 30 foreigners were tested over the weekend, out of whom, four tested positive, Dr Singh said.

Meanwhile, India on Monday registered 196 new coronavirus infections, while the total number of active cases increased to 3,428, Union Health Ministry data showed.