Mumbai: Here are the guidelines for passengers flying to the city

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stated that a 14-day quarantine period is absolutely necessary amidst the pandemic while travelling to Mumbai.

A 14 day home isolation for all domestic passengers arriving in Mumbai is a compulsory precaution against #coronavirus . Government officials desiring an exemption must write to amc.projects@mcgm.gov.in two working days prior to arrival, with work details #AtMumbaisService pic.twitter.com/SMCE2Ev1IM

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 7, 2020

Travelling for any length of time involves sitting in proximity with other passengers, inhaling the same air for a period of time, which exposes an individual to the health risk of contracting the coronavirus. Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places where travellers can be exposed to the coronavirus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where it can be hard to follow the norms of social distancing.

Furthermore, the chances of catching the coronavirus while travelling also depends on whether you and those around you take adequate measures to protect yourself and others.

In view of this situation, therefore, the BMC has implemented the abovementioned rule. If government officials desire an exemption from the 14-day-quarantine period, they must write to the civic body two working days prior to arrival, the BMC further informed.

The Maharashtra government had earlier issued the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for passengers of domestic flights when airlines resumed operations after a gap of two months owing to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

According to the guidelines, all passengers will be stamped and will have to go to 14-day home isolation. Moreover, the Aarogya Setu app is a must on the passenger's smartphone. The passengers should also not be from the containment zones, as per rules.

However, in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus, experts across the nation have mandated the use of masks, and have asked the passengers to carry sanitizers with them at all times. After reaching the destination, passengers should thoroughly disinfect oneself, and the luggage’s that one has carried with him or her.

If travelling internationally or across international borders, checking with the country’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health is an absolute must to comprehend international travel safety measures and protocols.