The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) relaxed institutional quarantine norms for fliers from the United Kingdom, introduced in December, 2020 in the light of new strain of Covid-19, which had emerged there.
The order dated January 29, 2021 and signed by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev released on Saturday stated the fliers from UK who test negative for Covid -19 on Delhi arrival would no longer have to complete seven days institutional quarantine, which was compulsory, however, seven days home quarantine is compulsory.
The order said that the step was taken after e review meeting noted low positivity rate among UK returnees.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of power conferred under section 22 of Disaster Management Act-2005, the undersigned , in his capacity as chairperson, state executive committee, DDMA, GNCTD hereby directs that all authorities concerned shall ensure strict compliance of Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India from time to time in this regard with immediate effect and shall adequately inform and sensitize the field functionaries about these instructions for strict compliance in letter and spirit. Further, strict surveillance to be kept on persons who are tested negative at the airport and kept in home quarantine,” the order stated.
Under the old rule, people who arrived in Delhi from the UK had to complete seven days of institutional quarantine followed by another seven days of home quarantine even if they seven days of home quarantine even if they tested negative for Covid -19 on arrival.
Earlier, who tested positive were moved to special wards in Covid dedicated hospitals — Lol Nayak.
“The situation has now been reviewed and considering the low positivity rate of UK returnees, it has been decided that the additional measure of compulsory institutional quarantine of travellers who test negative may not be required furthermore. strict surveillance to be kept on persons who tested positive at the airport and kept in home quarantine,” said the order.
