With no let-up in Covid cases in countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan, the Indian Government has now made a negative RT-PCR test mandatory for travellers even transiting through these nations, irrespective of their originating countries.
Earlier, RT-PCR was made mandatory for travellers from these six countries. As per the advisory issued by the Government on December 29, 2022, the RT-PCR test should be conducted 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey from January 1, 2023.
The precautionary measures come amid increasing Covid cases across the world.
With new measures in place and fresh guidelines issued for travellers from foreign countries, India is keeping itself prepared to tackle any situation in future.
Last year, India had reported four cases of the BF.7 Covid variant which has swept various parts of the country. According to the Ministry, all the four patients have recovered fully.
The step has been in order to minimise the risk of importation of variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from high-risk countries. In view of the evolving trajectory of Covid-19 cases in some countries like China, Singapore and many others, the Ministry decided to revise and update the existing guidelines for international arrivals.
The revised guideline of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reads “a mandatory requirement for pre-departure RT-PCR testing (to be conducted within 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey) has been introduced for passengers in all international flights from these countries.”
India has recorded 173 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, as per the Ministry data. The total tally of Covid cases has climbed to 4.46 crore (4,46,78,822) and the death toll stands at 5,30,707 with two fatalities -- one reconciled by Kerala and one reported by Uttarakhand.