New Delhi: As many as six Indians, four of whom are students, were stopped by Chinese authorities from boarding the special Air India flight which evacuated 324 Indian nationals from the coronavirus-hit Wuhan city on Saturday, February 1.

The six, two of whom are trainees from a Shenzen-based Chinese electronics company, were stopped at immigration during their medical screening as they all either displayed above normal or fluctuating temperatures. They were immediately asked to step aside from the immigration line.

They were soon taken away in local government vehicles to their campuses for possibly displaying symptoms of the disease that has already killed over 200 people and infected over 11,000 others.

Some of the key known symptoms of the disease are fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Authorities told the six, who were held back, that their return to India would be postponed indefinitely.

“As you are aware, yesterday at the airport you were not allowed to board the flight as the Chinese authorities felt that your body temperature was of concern. As a result, we have been advised that you may be placed under observation before you are considered for repatriation to India,” the Indian embassy said in a WeChat message sent to the six Indian nationals.

The message added, “Embassy has formally taken up the issue with Chinese authorities and have requested that adequate and proper health care support is provided to you during this period. We request you to follow the advice given by the Chinese authorities so that your health returns to normal at the earliest.”

One of the quarantined trainees told Hindustan Times that his temperature could have had a slight rise for a number of different reasons. “I have been on self-quarantine for more than a week. The slight rise in temperature could be for any reason. I don’t have any issue of cold and cough,” they said, adding that the Chinese officials did not tell them how many days they will have to remain under observation.

While another flight from China to India has been scheduled for tonight, it is unlikely that the six will be allowed to board the same.

Another trainee told HT that the Chinese officials told them that they cannot be allowed to leave immediately. “We need to remain under observation. We are not exactly under quarantine, but they will not allow us to return to India early,” they added.