Mumbai: BMC makes RT-PCR tests mandatory for passengers coming from UK, China and more

In a fresh COVID travel update, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made negative RT-PCR tests mandatory for those arriving in Mumbai from select countries, including the UK, Middle East and China. From September 3, passengers arriving from these countries will have to take a mandatory test at the Mumbai international airport.

The BMC said that the RT-PCR test is mandatory for those arriving from or transiting through the UK, Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
The test will be conducted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport. Authorities at the airport will also ask passengers to fill a self-declaration form, who will have to undergo a 14-day home quarantine. The airport authorities will be charging INR 600 from the passengers for the PCR test.

Others, who need to exit the airport or board connecting flights, will still have to carry their PCR report not older than 72 hours. BMC said, "RT-PCR tests will not be mandatory for such passengers on arrival at the Mumbai airport from 12 AM on September 3."
Maharashtra has been experiencing COVID positive cases in regular intervals. Given the current situation, the state keeps updating the rules and regulations to safeguard the city. Till now, the state has reported 64.6 lakh positive cases and more than 1.3 lakh deaths.