Kerala decides to continue with seven day quarantine for International passengers flying into state

By A Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Nov 11: Kerala will continue the 7 day quarantine for International passengers flying into state.

Even though India government has issued new guidelines that international travellers will not be required to undergo institutional or home quarantine if they can submit a negative RT-PCR report of the test conducted within 72 hours of their journey, Kerala has decided against providing this relaxation.

The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare did offer the option to states where they can have any additional restrictions imposed with regards to quarantine and isolation as per their field assessment post arrival of passengers in the state concerned.

In lieu of this Kerala said it will continue its existing protocol of 7-day mandatory quarantine for international passengers.

According to Dr Amar Fettle, state nodal officer for COVID-19: “Currently, all those flying nationally (unless it is a short trip or a short business trip) and internationally have to do a 7-day mandatory room quarantine. If there is no facility in their houses, they can opt for paid institutional quarantine. On the 8th day, they will get tested. If the test returns negative, then they can end their quarantine. However, we advise them to only step out for essential activities, while fully conforming to the state’s COVID-19 protocols.”

“Our expert technical committee will study the merits of the new guidelines issued by the central ministry as well as the current situation in Kerala and then decide whether to revise the rules in the state,” Dr Amar added.

As per the new guidelines issued by the central government, travellers will not be required to undergo institutional or home quarantine if they can submit a negative RT-PCR report that has been conducted within 72 hours of their journey.

As per the circular issued, it says, “They should also give an undertaking on the portal or otherwise to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, through concerned airlines before they are allowed to undertake the journey that they would abide by the decision of the appropriate government authority to undergo facility/home quarantine/ self-monitoring of their health for 14 days, or as warranted.”

For those seeking exemption from quarantine, they can submit a self-declaration form online at http://www.newdelhiairport.in, at least 72 hours before their scheduled travel. They can even opt to do so after arriving at the airport at the respective health counters.

Those who could not undergo RT-PCR test done prior to their departure and are wishing to seek exemption from institutional quarantine, they can avail the facility at the airport and undergo the said test, where such a provision exists. As of now, such airports include Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi.

However, in cases such as international passengers arriving without a negative COVID certificate, and not opting for the RT-PCR test at the airport, or arriving at an airport where such a facility is not available, they will be required to undergo mandatory seven days institutional quarantine, as well as seven days home quarantine.

Although these are the new guidelines issued by the Central Government, individual states are also allowed to impose additional restrictions with regard to isolation and quarantine rules.