The new Omicron coronavirus variant continues to cause fears in India. Karnataka is the first state to detect two Omicron cases. With the fears of the new variant, you might wonder about the travel guidelines. Many states and UTs have mandated RT-PCR tests for passengers arriving from states with high Covid-19 cases. Delhi has made random sample collection compulsory for such passengers and Maharashtra has made double vaccination mandatory or Covid-19 negative report. J&K and Karnataka have made on-arrival tests mandatory for foreign rivals. Bengal has made the RT-PCR test mandatory.
List Of RT-PCR Tests Approved By IMCR
The Indian government has issued a detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help passengers travel in a safe and efficient manner whether it’s domestic or international travel. As part of this, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 9 types of RT-PCR tests, which passengers need to know. All these systems of molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 are approved and even considered equal to RT-PCR.
The 9 approved RT-PCR tests are:
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- TrueNat
- Open system RTPCR
- Abbott ID Now
- CoviDx DirectPlex
- GeneXpert
- RTLAMP
- CRISPR/TATAMD CHECK/FELUDA
- Rapid RTPCR
- Accula by Thermofisher
Random Testing May Be Conducted For Passengers At Airports
Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed airports in India to extend facilities and logistics for conducting these RT-PCR tests. Random testing post-arrival would also be conducted by some international passengers. They can give the sample and leave. According to MoHFW guidelines, it would be limited to 2 per cent and would be charged to the passenger. Officials of state or UT governments will coordinate with airports and airlines for random testing. Meanwhile, did you know Dubai uses K9 dogs to detect covid?