As part of the Vande Bharat Mission, the Govt of India is bringing home thousands of Indian nationals stuck abroad. But once they arrive in the country, these ‘international arrivals’ have to follow strict quarantine rules. So if you’re wondering, what are the guidelines that international arrivals entering the country have to follow, look no further.
Quarantine Period For International Arrivals In The Country
The Ministry of Health has put down a detailed plan for international arrivals in the country. While the health ministry has released guidelines for international arrivals, states are free to develop their own protocols regarding quarantine and isolation of passengers.
As per the ministry’s guidelines, all passengers arriving in the country have to give an undertaking before they board the flight. This undertaking states that they would undergo mandatory quarantine for a period of 14 days. This includes 7 days of institutional quarantine, which will be borne by themselves, followed by 7 days of isolation at home, where self-monitoring of health is essential.
However, certain relaxations have been granted for exceptional and compelling cases such as human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness and parent(s) accompanied by children below 10 years. In such cases, home quarantine is permitted for 14 days. However, use use of the Aarogya Setu app is mandatory in such cases.
Besides this, all international arrivals are advised to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices.
Similarly, the same protocols apply for those arriving through the land borders/sea ports. However, only those who are asymptomatic are allowed to cross the border into India.
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What Are The Protocols When A Passenger Reaches India?
Once passengers arrive at their respective airports in the country, a thermal screening is again carried out by the Health officials. If they’re found to be symptomatic during screening, they are immediately isolated and taken to a medical facility.
The remaining passengers are then taken to a suitable institutional quarantine facility, which is normally arranged by the respective State/ UT Governments. These passengers are then expected to be under institutional quarantine for a minimum period of 7 days, post which they are tested as per ICMR protocols.
If they test positive, they are assessed clinically depending on the severity of their symptoms. Mostly in mild cases, passengers are asked to undergo isolation at home or COVID Care Centres, whichever is deemed appropriate. But passengers having moderate to severe symptoms are admitted to dedicated COVID-19 Health facilities and managed accordingly.
But if the passengers are found negative, they are advised to isolate themselves at home for 7 days. They’re also required to self-monitor their health as per protocol. During this period, if they develop any symptoms, they are required to inform the district surveillance officer. The can also call the state/national call center (1075) and inform them.
Thus, through these measures the Centre along with the State Authorities is ensuring that those who arrive in the country undergo a 14-day quarantine strictly!
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