Suvarnabhumi gets 90-minute test lab
A Covid-19 test with a 90-minute turnaround will be provided at Suvarnabhumi airport for those who are suspected of carrying the virus.
The airport yesterday announced its readiness to accommodate passengers travelling to Thailand as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s (CAAT) latest Covid-19 directives easing international air travel.
The Thai gateway airport has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, government agencies, airlines and airport service providers to establish operational guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus, said Wing Commander Suthirawat Suwanawat, general manager of Suvarnabhumi airport.
The CAAT’s directives issued on Thursday have extended the travel categories making more people eligible to enter the kingdom.
The directives comply with the Coronavirus Pandemic Management Centre’s order issued on Tuesday.
Disease-control screening checkpoints will be set up and a laboratory has been opened to process the results of genetic secretion detection system, or PCR, tests which are up to 95% accurate and capable of providing the results within 90 minutes, he said.
An area between Gates D3 and D4 has been allocated for passengers waiting for the results. The room is cleaned regularly and comes with seating that observes social distancing, toilets and amenities including drinking water.
“Airport staff are on hand to assist passengers on filling out the form [Tor 8 quarantine questionnaire], loading tracking application and following various formal procedures,” he said adding that Thai passengers are still subject to the 14-day state quarantine.
Wing Commander Suthirawat noted that the airport has complied with safety and health standards by ensuring cleanliness in all areas including toilets, lifts and walkways.
“Besides passing temperature screening, all passengers, service personnel and staff are required to wear a face mask while in the terminal to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said.