Attention! New Covid-19 rules for international flyers

With India witnessing a rise in the active Covid-19 caseload over the past few days and the threat of mutant coronavirus strains growing in the country, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued new guidelines/rules for flyers travelling to India. The ministry has made it mandatory for the travellers to submit their self-declaration form on Air Suvidha portal (http://newdelhiairport.in) along with a negative RT-PCR report, conducted within 72 hrs of departure.

As per the guidelines, an undertaking also needs to be uploaded on the portal accepting to abide by the government rules on testing, institutional and home quarantine. Those seeking exemptions from testing/quarantine protocols in case of death in their family should apply on the Air Suvidha portal.

**Images:** **govt guidelines for international travellers**

The government has made all necessary amendments to the portal as per the latest guidelines to facilitate the journey. In case of any enquiry, passengers can reach out to Delhi Airport (Twitter handle @DelhiAirport) on social media platforms or call them on their 24×7 helpline at +91-124-4797300/+91-124-6838410.

Mutant Covid-19 strain fears lead to new rules for flyers

Amid the fears of mutant Covid-19 strains, the Centre has asked the states to increase the proportion of RT-PCR tests and subject Rapid Antigen negative people to mandatory Retest by RT-PCR followed by Genome Sequencing. They have also been advised to monitor the emerging cluster of cases and focus on clinical management in districts reporting higher deaths.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also asked all incoming international travellers, from Brazil, South Africa and the UK, testing positive to strictly follow the guidelines. For the latest SOPs, they have been asked to visit the govt website or download the MyGov App.

**Images: guidelines for travellers from Brazil, South Africa and UK**

Also Read: Special visa, air ambulance plan for India & neighbours?

SOPs for International Passengers arriving in India have been updated to reduce the risk of importation of mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2. They have been advised to follow all the necessary precautions while travelling.

**Images:** **updated SOPs for air travellers**

Coronavirus cases and vaccination drive updates in India

Meanwhile, as on 21 February 2021, India’s total coronavirus active cases stand at 1,45,634 with 85.61% of the new cases emerging from 5 States. Two states – Maharashtra and Kerala – account for 77% of daily new cases reported over the last 24 hours.

101 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in India, of which 80% were reported in five states.

As on Day-36 of the vaccination drive (20 February 2021), a total of 4,32,931 vaccine doses were administered. 60.04% of those who have received the second dose are concentrated in 7 States.