COVID resurgence: 12 new 'guidelines for international arrivals' in India

New Delhi: Amid global COVID-19 resurgence. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has updated the previous 'Guidelines for International Arrivals'. A health protocol has been compiled for international travelers at the points of entry (airports, seaports, and land border) with effect from December 24 2022 till further orders.

Here is the list to be noted for international passengers:

1. Planning for Travel

All travelers should be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary vaccination schedule against COvID-19 in their Country.

2. During travel

-In-flight announcements about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including precautionary measures to be followed (preferably using masks and following physical distancing), shall be made on flights/travel and at all points of entry.

-Any passenger having symptoms of COVID-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol. The said passenger should be wearing a mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel, and shifted to an isolation facility for follow-up treatment.

3. On arrival

-De-boarding should be done, ensuring physical distance.

-Thermal screening should be done for all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry.

-The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol.

4. Post Arrival

- A sub-section (2% of the total passengers" in the flight) shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport on arrival.

-Such travelers in each flight shall be identified by the concerned airlines (preferably from different countries). They will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport after that.

-If such travelers' samples are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.

-They shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.

-All travelers should self-monitor their health post-arrival and report to their nearest health facility or call the National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in case they have any suggestive symptoms.

-Children under 12 years of age are exempted from post-arrival random testing. However, if found symptomatic on arrival or during the self-monitoring period, they shall undergo testing and be treated.