DDMA to randomly test flyers coming from states where Covid-19 cases are rising

Passengers coming to the national capital, particularly from states witnessing a surge of Covid-19 cases, will be subjected to random tests at the airport here.

The Covid-19 tests have been ordered by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) at airports, railway stations and inter-state bus terminals and other alighting points of private bus operators.

As per the DDMA order, health authorities would conduct rapid antigen tests and RT-PCR tests on passengers coming from states where Covid-19 cases are surging.

“As per the latest government mandate, DDMA shall conduct random COVID-19 testing of passengers coming from the states where cases are increasing,” the Delhi Airport said here on Wednesday.

Read | Five states account for over 79% of active Covid-19 cases in India

“After the collection of samples, the travellers would be allowed to exit. However, the passengers who were found to be positive shall be mandatorily quarantined as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare protocol,” it added.

On Tuesday, the Centre had said the Covid-19 situation was turning from “bad to worse” and was a huge cause for worry. It had warned that the whole country was at risk and any complacency at this stage will have “heavy costs”.

Six states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, have reported a high number of daily Covid-19 cases.