The central government has ordered Covid-19 testing for all passengers entering from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand at the Delhi International Airport due to the rise in Covid cases in China and other areas of the world.
Random testing of overseas travelers for the coronavirus began at the Delhi airport on Saturday as authorities stepped up their efforts to contain a potential outbreak of the infection in the country.
“Covid testing is mandatory at Delhi International Airport from today for travelers from abroad, including China, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Japan, and South Korea. In view of an increasing number of Covid cases, all necessary steps are being taken,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.
According to an airport official, testing of foreign visitors began in the morning. “We are ready! Your safety is our priority. 2% random sampling for international arriving passengers will commence today from 10:00 AM at T3, at no cost to passengers,” Delhi Airport said in a tweet this morning.
Two percent of passengers arriving on each international flight will be randomly tested for the coronavirus at airports starting Saturday.
The airlines concerned must identify these persons on each journey before allowing passengers to leave the airport after providing a sample. All passengers will undergo a thermal scan at the point of entry and anyone showing symptoms will be immediately segregated.
All were invited to assist the ground team during test operations as well.
The Center has further directed all state governments to ensure that all these medical oxygen facilities are properly installed and functioning to meet any challenges related to COVID-19 that may arise in the future.