Self Paid RT-PCR Test Mandatory For Passengers Flying from UK To India From Jan 8

As per the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the health ministry, those traveling between January 8 and 31, would be mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned.

The RT PCR and Rapid Antigen test samples

In view to contain the spread of the mutated strain of the Covid-19 virus, the Union Health Ministry has made it mandatory for passengers arriving from the United Kingdom to India from January 8 to take self-paid RT-PCR test at the airport. Amid the spread of the new strain of the virus, flight service was suspended on December 22, between the countries. The services will resume on January 8. This strain has so far been detected in over 29 travelers in India. As per the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the health ministry, those traveling between January 8 and 31, would be mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on arrival at the Indian airports concerned. READ | With 9 More Cases, India’s Total Tally Of New Mutated COVID-19 Strain Reaches 38 "Adequate arrangements for passengers waiting for their RT-PCR test as well as test results duly following effective isolation may also be made at the airports in conjunction with the airport authorities," the guidelines added. Passengers are required to carry negative RT-PCR tests with them and also required to submit a self-declaration form on the online portal, www.newdelhiairport.in. In addition, airlines are tasked to ensure the availability of negative tests before allowing the passenger on board. Passengers upon arrival who test positive at the airport will be isolated in an institutional isolation facility in an isolation unit coordinated by the State Health Authorities. They would earmark specific facilities for such isolation and treatment and take necessary action to send positive samples for genome sequencing. After genome sequencing, if the report is consistent with the current virus genome circulating in the country, the ongoing treatment protocol including home isolation or treatment will be followed. "If the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 then the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit. The patient shall be tested on 14th day, after having tested positive in the initial test. The patient will be kept in the isolation facility till his sample is tested negative," the SOP stated. Those who test negative, are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days and regularly followed up by the concerned State and District Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. According to the data from the Union Government, nine more people tested positive with the new Covid-19 strain taking the tally to 38. Notably, the new UK variant has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon, and Singapore.