NEW DELHI, Feb 18 (NNN-PTI) – The Indian government, yesterday issued new guidelines for incoming international travellers, in the wake of three variants of the COVID-19, which were first detected in Britain, South Africa and Brazil respectively, according to an official statement.
All three variants have demonstrated increased transmissibility, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), said the statement.
So far, the strain, first found in South Africa, was detected in four returnees – one each from Angola and Tanzania, and two from S. Africa.
Besides, a case of the variant first found in Brazil was detected in the first week of Feb in India, while 187 people have tested positive for the variant first detected in Britain.
The new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for international travellers shall be valid from Feb 22.
Separate set of guidelines have been issued for international travellers coming in from Britain, Europe and the Middle East, and through flights originating from all other countries.
As per the new guidelines, all travellers must submit a self-declaration form before the scheduled travel, and upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey.
Each passenger must also submit a declaration of authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.
International travellers must also give an undertaking, before they are allowed to travel within India, that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority, to undergo home quarantine/self-monitoring of their health for 14 days, or as warranted.
Arrival in India without negative report shall be allowed only for those travelling to India in the exigency of death in the family.
Upon arrival in the country, passengers found to be symptomatic during screening, shall be immediately isolated and taken to medical facility.
The ministers of health and civil aviation, reviewed the situation, with regard to point of entry, and actions required to minimise the risk of importation of mutant strains of the virus.– NNN-PTI
