Gujarat: RT-PCR test mandatory for international travellers

The Gujarat state government has announced that it’s making it mandatory for all travellers to undergo mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport, who are arriving from other countries. This move comes in the wake of fresh risk posed by the new COVID variant, Omicron.

Reportedly, RT-PCR tests have been made mandatory for all those arriving from countries such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, Botswana, Bangladesh, Mauritius, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe. The Gujarat state government has also introduced new travel guidelines for travellers flying from more than 40 countries arriving at the airports in Gujarat. Reports have it that those arriving in the state from the countries categorised as 'at risk' by the Union Health Ministry, will be required to undergo RT-PCR test if they are not fully vaccinated. Also, reportedly, the Union Health Ministry has placed nine countries on the said list.
Travellers arriving in the state from the 'at risk' countries will be required to submit samples for COVID-19 tests if they are partially vaccinated or not at all vaccinated. Further, they will also have to remain in home quarantine for seven days, and will be required to take another test on the eighth day after arrival.

As per the guidelines, self-monitoring will be required further for a week even if they test negative. Those fully vaccinated travelling to the state from ‘at risk' countries will also have to quarantine themselves for 14 days after arrival.