PCR test must for India arrivals from 5 countries

PASSENGERS WITH COVID SYMPTOMS WILL BE QUARANTINED, MINISTER SAYS

India’s Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya yesterday announced that RT-PCR test has been made mandatory for passengers coming from five countries including China.

“The RT-PCR test will be mandatory for international arrivals 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 infection, then he/she will be put under quarantine,” Mandaviya told ANI.

He also said that fill-up of Air Suvidha form to declare the current health status will also be made compulsory for international passengers arriving from these Asian countries.

Taking note of the rising cases of Covid globally, Mandaviya said that the Centre and states need to work in “tandem” and in a “collaborative spirit” as was done during the previous surges.

Country on alert

Mandaviya, while chairing a virtual meeting with the health ministers of the states, principal secretaries, additional chief secretaries and information commissioners, said the country needs to be on the alert and be prepared for Covid management.

The meeting was held in view of the recent upsurge in cases in some countries like China, Japan, Brazil and the United States to review the public health preparedness for containment and management of Covid-19.

Mandaviya has also stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns regarding adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour in view of the upcoming festive season.

He asked the state health ministers to personally monitor and review the preparedness of all infrastructure and ensure adequate stock of essential medicines.

The RT-PCR test will be mandatory for international arrivals from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.”

Mansukh Mandaviya | Union Health Minister