COVID-19 India update: The random coronavirus testing of international arriving passengers started at Delhi airport today (December 24) as the authorities step up measures to prevent possible spread of the infection in the country.
Two per cent of passengers arriving in each international flight will be subject to random coronavirus testing at airports from Saturday. Such travellers in each flight shall be identified by the airlines concerned and after submitting the sample, passengers will be allowed to leave the airport.
Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, "RT-PCR test mandatory for international passengers coming from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand. On arrival, if any passenger from these countries is found symptomatic or tests positive for Covid-19, then he or she will be put under quarantine."
Now, Thermal screening will be done for all passengers at the point of entry and those found to be symptomatic during screening will be immediately isolated. The testing of the international arriving passengers started in the morning, according to an airport official.
"We are Ready! Your safety is our priority. 2% random sampling for international arriving passengers will commence today from 10:00 AM at T3, at no cost to the passengers," Delhi airport said in a tweet in the morning.
It also urged everyone to cooperate with the on-ground staff during the testing procedures.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare writes to all States and UTs to ensure a functional and regular supply of medical oxygen for Covid-19 pandemic management.
The random coronavirus testing of international passengers arriving at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here began on Saturday as the authorities stepped up measures to prevent possible spread of the virus in the country.Two per cent of passengers arriving by each international flight will be subject to random coronavirus testing at airports from Saturday. According to the sources, samples were collected randomly from some passengers who arrived from Jeddah at 11 AM.
“As of now two counters were set up for collection of samples. The number of counters will be increased from Monday,” the sources told PTI adding thermal screening is being done to every passenger. They said after the collection of samples they were allowed to exit the airport.
(With agencies inputs)
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