RT-PCR test report mandatory for passengers at Mangaluru International Airport

www.mangaloretoday.com

Mangaluru, Dec 27, 2020: The health department in Dakshina Kannada has made RT-PCR test mandatory for all passengers arriving at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) and the New Mangalore Port (NMP).

District health and family welfare officer Dr Ramachandra Bairy said a decision to make tests mandatory for all passengers at the MIA and NMP was taken as a precaution against spread of coronavirus variants in the second wave.

“All passengers arriving at the MIA and the NMP should produce Covid-19 negative certificates obtained about 72 hours prior to their arrival. If a passenger does not possess a valid Covid-19 negative certificate, he/she will have to undergo RT-PCR test at the MIA, where a test centre has been opened. Such passengers should remain in home quarantine till they receive a negative report,” the DHO said and requested all passengers to cooperate with the government to prevent the possibilities of a second wave of virus infection.

Meanwhile, all nursing and paramedical colleges in the district have been directed to make RT-PCR test mandatory for students and staff when classes will commence from January 1.

“Majority of the students in those colleges are from outside the state, especially from Kerala, where the spread of coronavirus continues in large numbers. Hence, heads of institutions in Dakshina Kannada should insist all students, teaching, and non-teaching staff to produce Covid-19 negative certificates through RT-PCR tests obtained within 72 hours prior to the reporting time. Colleges should follow all the Covid-19 guidelines and SOPs strictly in their campuses,” Dr Bairy said.

Courtesy: Times of India