KIA fully geared up to face Ebola threat

In view of the alert sounded over Ebola, authorities at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) have issued passes for district health officials on an emergency basis. Also, doctors and paramedics will be available at the airport. 

A press release from Kempegowda International Airport, said Bangalore International Airport Limited has taken proactive measures for education and containment in a joint initiative with the Health Department, Airport Health Officer (APHO) and Airline Operators Committee (AOC) following  Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

The  initiative was taken after Ebola was declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the Director General of Emergency Committee, WHO.

“Airport entry passes have been issued for district health officials on an emergency basis and doctors, paramedics will be available at the airport. Starting August 8, all airlines have been directed to make inflight/on board announcements on mandatory requirements. Do’s and don’ts issued by the United Nations have been prominently displayed for public awareness at the international departure and arrival areas.

KIA has taken aggressive steps to spread awareness among all staff and passengers through various kinds of Information, Communication and Education (IEC) material,” the note read.

The Emergency and Business Continuity Management teams at BIAL are assessing the situation along with APHO in real time. The government’s advisory and alert message to the AOC and airlines have been circulated to ensure adequate measures are in place.

Besides, routine screenings for Ebola have started and additional medical practitioners are available from the State Health Department. The APHO in collaboration with the District Health Officer, Devanahalli, will also facilitate an exclusive ambulance for transportation of quarantined passengers within 30 minutes of a call.

The District Health Officer will provide Ebola awareness banners in English and Kannada to be displayed in areas with higher passenger footfall.