With the frequency of international flights increasing in the country, the measures undertaken to curb the spread of coronavirus are also being changed. The government has issued a fresh set of guidelines for international arrivals in India, which will be effective from August 8, 00.01 hrs IST. As per these protocols, released on August 2, passengers can skip institutional quarantine by providing a negative RT-PCR test report. Read on to know more:
Travellers Arriving In India Can Apply Online For 14 Days Of Home Quarantine
All passengers must submit a self-declaration form on the online portal (www.newdelhiairport.in) at least 72 hours before they commence their journey. They also need to give an undertaking regarding their quarantine period. This includes a week of self-paid institutional quarantine, followed by a week of home quarantine. Meanwhile, you can read up our guide on 5 Things To Keep In Mind While Taking A Flight During Pandemic.
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Guidelines issued for international arrivals in supersession of those issued on 24th May 2020. Will be operational from 00.01 Hrs, 8th August 2020.https://t.co/TWFRxnPog5 pic.twitter.com/v5js4F8l4L
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) August 2, 2020
The notice further states that people with compelling reasons can choose to go for a 14-day home quarantine, by applying at the online portal. These include cases of “pregnancy, death in the family, serious illness and parent(s) with children of the age of 10 years or below.”
Also Read: People Must Not Pay Higher Fares For Vande Bharat Flights When Booking With Travel Agents: Govt
Passengers Can Also Submit A Negative RT-PCR Test Report
Another way to be eligible for 14 days of home quarantine is by submitting a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival. Passengers need to get the test done within 96 hours of commencing their journey and upload the report on the portal for review. They also need to submit a declaration regarding its authenticity. The notification further states the protocols to be followed before, during, and after their journey. It also mentions that states can release their own set of guidelines with respect to quarantine and isolation.
Also Read: All Passengers Must Provide A Negative Covid Test Before Landing In Dubai
Commercial International Travel Remains Banned Till August 31
Meanwhile, commercial international flights in India continue to remain banned till August 31. However, there are certain exceptions to these. Flights operating under Vande Bharat Mission, repatriation flights under air bubbles and cargo flights are currently allowed to operate. The Central government had suspended international flights in the country from March 22, owing to the raging pandemic. Domestic flights in India have picked up reasonable pace. The country has recorded about 39,795 deaths so far.