KATHMANDU: Three Nepali nationals who were heading to Portugal from Italy via France have been intercepted in the country after being suspected with the coronavirus.

According to French media reports, they are currently undergoing screening in a quarantine camp after they were arrested by the French Border Police.

The investigation is underway even though the preliminary report of the hospital has not proven the virus, said French security officials.

Three Nepali nationals who entered France from Italy have showed symptoms of coronavirus, French media reported.

According to the report, they have been kept at a hospital in the country. French Border Police arrested them while they were heading to Portugal. The hospital has not revealed the report details yet.

Italy has been badly hit by the new virus among European countries. A total of 17 people have died and over 650  infected with the deadly virus so far in Italy.

Similarly, two people died and over 38 have been infected with the COVID19 in France.