As the fear of the new coronavirus variant Omicron has gripped the state, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday, November 30, announced that all the passengers will have to undergo seven-day mandatory institutional quarantine from the “countries of concern”, reports stated.
Moreover, the state government has also mandated seven-day home isolation for even those who test negative on arrival.
#FlyAI : Intl Passengers for Maharashtra kindly note, order issued by Govt of Maharashtra require quarantine for all arriving from countries at risk & RTPCR test for other countries.
— Air India (@airindiain) November 30, 2021
Domestic passengers coming to Maharashtra require RTPCR report 48 hrs before departure. pic.twitter.com/RNeldW29CL
The new rules were issued in the form of a circular by the chief secretary. As per fresh guidelines, the immigration department will check the foreign travel history of 15 days of all passengers landing in the state. The order states that violation of declaring travel details will invite action.
Firstly, travellers arriving in the state will have to undertake a compulsory RT-PCR test on arrival following which a mandatory seven-day institutional quarantine. However, after the quarantine period, they will have to undergo the RT-PCR test again.
Besides, all the domestic passengers coming to Maharashtra require a negative RT-PCR report, which should be 48 hours before departure.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday, November 29, added that the state cabinet has raised its concerns. He posed a question as to why all flights from at-risk countries aren’t be banned. Further, he stated that they have written to the Central Government for the same.
According to reports, this came after the Maharashtra Health Department, earlier in the day said that six passengers who returned from high-risk countries tested positive for COVID-19.
Also Read: Centre to review its decision on resuming international flights
The countries of concern include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Australia, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Israel, Hong Kong, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Scotland along with some Middle Eastern countries.
Considering the seriousness, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the health department held a meeting with the state task force, district collector and concerned officials on Sunday, November 28. He also said that a lockdown could be imposed if rules are not implemented.
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