From Jan 1, negative Covid reports must for flyers arriving from 6 countries | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

From Jan 1, negative Covid reports must for flyers arriving from 6 countries

By, New Delhi
Dec 30, 2022 02:08 AM IST

People flying into India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand will be required to provide negative Covid test report from January 1, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday.

People flying into India from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand will be required to provide negative Covid test report from January 1, Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Thursday, increasing scrutiny on air travellers at a time of a surge in infections in other countries.

A medic takes swab sample from a passenger for Covid-19 test at Chennai airport on Saturday. (PTI)
A medic takes swab sample from a passenger for Covid-19 test at Chennai airport on Saturday. (PTI)

Several countries took similar steps this week, especially in increasing scrutiny on people coming from China over fears that the country may not be monitoring Sars-CoV-2 variants adequately, although the situation in most parts of the world – especially India – is stable and presents no cause for worry.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In a tweet, Mandaviya said passengers arriving from the above six regions will be required to upload negative Covid reports on the Air Suvidha portal prior to their departure.

ALSO READ: India may see Covid surge in January, next 40 days crucial: Report

The tests will need to have been taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure, he was quoted as saying in a detailed release issued by the government later.

This requirement is in addition to the random 2% samples being collected from each flight for RT-PCR testing of international passengers arriving in the country, irrespective of their origin city, he added.

“This is an absolutely precautionary measure and Covid situation in India, as such, does not warrant for people to panic,” Mandaviya reiterated.

India dropped mandatory testing for international arrivals on February 14 after a sustained drop in cases at the time, and on November 21, it did away with the mandatory Covid-19 or vaccine status declaration via the Air Suvidha portal, which people heading to India would need to visit prior to their departure.

During the winter session of Parliament on December 22, Mandaviya said India has begun randomly testing 2% of international travellers coming to the country for Covid-19 and could consider making it mandatory for all if required.

A senior health ministry official also expressed caution. “The pandemic is not over yet and people should still be taking precautions, especially adhering to Covid-appropriate behaviour,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

In the week till December 28, India recorded fewer than 200 new cases every day on average. The overall number of active cases was 3,552, according to the health ministry.

Mandaviya, last week, said states need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within communities.

He also held a meeting with state ministers to discuss the situation and, earlier this week, states carried out a drill to test process and resource preparedness.

Experts agree that there is no reason to panic now even though cases have been on the rise globally.

“It should concern us if there is an increase in hospitalisations due to Covid but we have hardly seen any hospital admissions in the past few months. Having said that, one does need to be cautious as the pandemic is still not over,” said Dr Rommel Tickoo, director, internal medicine department, Max Healthcare.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Rhythma Kaul works as an assistant editor at Hindustan Times. She covers health and related topics, including ministry of health and family welfare, government of India.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On