2pc flyers to undergo random post-arrival Covid screening at Delhi airport
In order to minimize the risk of ingress of BF.7, the new variant of coronavirus, in the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday decided that 2% of flyers will undergo random post-arrival testing at airports from December 24.
Such passengers will be identified by the airline, preferably from different countries. They will be allowed to leave the airport after giving the sample. Samples testing positive will be sent for genome sequencing.
The official notification reads, "A sub-section of 2% of the total passengers in the flight shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport on arrival."
The notification said, "Such travellers will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport and a copy of the positive report shall be shared with Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme by the concerned Testing Laboratory (besides sharing with the APHOS) to be in turn shared with concerned State/UT for further follow up action."
If any such travellers are tested positive, then their samples will be sent for genomic testing at the designated INSACOG laboratory network.
This arrangement will come into the practice with effect from Saturday, 24th December, 2022.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its revised guidelines for international arrivals said that all travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination.
During the travel, if any passenger having symptoms of COVID-19 should be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow up treatment.
Physical distancing must be ensured while de-boarding. Thermal screening of all passengers should be done, the guidelines said.
Travellers must self-monitor their health post arrival also report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any symptoms suggestive, it said.
Children under 12 years of age are exempted from post-arrival random testing. However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during the period of self-monitoring period, they shall undergo testing and treated, it added.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said international travellers arriving in the state will undergo thermal testing amid concern of a possible spike in COVID-19 cases due to the BF.7 variant of Omicron.
Key Points
A sub-section of 2 per cent of total passengers in the flight undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport on arrival
Travellers in each flight shall be identified by the airlines concerned and be preferably from different countries
Such travellers will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport
This arrangement will come into practice with effect from Saturday
Physical distancing must be ensured while de-boarding
Thermal screening of all passengers should be done.
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