New Delhi, April 3 (IANS) The World Bank Group has earmarked $1 billion emergency financing support to India to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The funding comes as a part of the group's first set of emergency support operations for developing countries around the world.

Accordingly, the group will use a dedicated, fast-track facility for COVID-19 (coronavirus) response.

"In India, $1 billion emergency financing will support better screening, contact tracing, and laboratory diagnostics; procure personal protective equipment; and set up new isolation wards," the group said in a statement.

--IANS rv/pgh/