Those from NCR, Guj, Raj, Goa must carry RT-PCR -ve report with them

In a safety precaution taken in view of increasing Covid-19 cases in the national Capital and three other States, the Maharashtra Government on Monday made it mandatory for all domestic passengers travelling to Maharashtra by air, trains and roads from the National Capital Region and the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa to carry RT-PCR negative test report with them.

Amid a fear of a second Covid-19 wave gripping Maharashtra in the wake of increasing incidence of Covid-19 in New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Surat, the Maharashtra Government put in place a mechanism to prevent the passengers carrying Covid-19 virus from entering Maharashtra from Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had, in his address to the people across the State, said on Sunday that his Government was on a “high alert” in view of increasing pandemic cases in cities like New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Surat. “Though there is no wave in the State, we cannot lower our guard. The State health authorities are well-equipped to tackle the second pandemic wave if it hits the State. My request to people is to take all health precautions,” he had said.

Amid speculation that started brewing a few days ago that Maharashtra may suspend train and air transport services between Mumbai and Delhi, Uddhav Thackeray made the first move when the State made compulsory for those arriving in Maharashtra by air, train and road to carry RT-PCR negative test report with them.

“The Airport Authority of India is requested to check for RT-PCR test report before allowing the passengers to board the flight. The RT-PCR sample collection should have been done within 72 hours of the scheduled time of landing at airports in Maharashtra, “a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Maharashtra Government stated.

According to the SOP, passengers not having RT-PCR test reports fulfilling the two primary requisites shall compulsorily undergo RT-PCR tests at the airports concerned “at their own costs”. The airports shall arrange the testing centres and charge the passengers directly for testing.

“Only after undertaking the test, the passengers will be allowed to go home by the Airport Operator. The contact information and address shall be collected from all passengers who undergo tests at the airport by the Airport Operator to facilitate contact, in case the report comes positive.

 “Passengers whose test report comes positive will be contacted and treated as per existing protocols,” the SOP stated.

Similarly, all passengers travelling by trains originating from or having halt/stop at the National Capital Region of Delhi, states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa shall carry with them an RT-PCR negative test report with them if they decide to enter Maharashtra.

“The RT-PCR sample collection should have been done within 96 hours of the scheduled arrival in Maharashtra. Passengers not having RT-PCR negative test report with them shall be screened for symptoms and body temperature at the alighting railway stations,” a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Maharashtra Government stated.

“The passengers without symptoms would be allowed to go home, while those who display symptoms will be subjected to antigen tests. If the antigen test comes negative, the passengers concerned will be allowed to go home, while those testing positive will be sent to Covid Caring Centre (CCC) for further care. The cost of further care including the charges at the CCC shall be borne by the passengers concerned,” the SOP stated.

Similarly, in the case of passengers entering Maharashtra by road from the National Capital Region of Delhi, States of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa shall be screened at the border areas for Covid symptoms and temperature. The passengers without symptoms will be allowed entry, while others have the option of going back to their homes for recuperation.

As in the case of those arriving in Maharashtra by trains, the passengers arriving by road will be subsequently subjected to antigen tests and if found positive, they will be sent to nearby CCCs for further care. The passengers will have to bear the cost of further care including the charges at the CCC.