Thermal Screening Of "Fliers" From These Countries: Maharashtra Govt

The Maharashtra government on Thursday, December 22, has decided to conduct thermal testing of 2 per cent international passengers flying into the state. In addition, after the meeting, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed all guardian ministers to ensure that health facilities are ready in their respective districts in case of a surge in infections.

This announcement came after reports were doing rounds on the gradual rise in the coronavirus in several countries around the world. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant and Chief Secretary Manukumar Srivastava.

In order to prevent the entry of “a new and highly transmissible BF.7 strain of coronavirus’ Omicron variant”, which is wreaking havoc in Japan, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, the Maharashtra government will conduct thermal screening of passengers arriving from countries where the variant has been found from Monday, December 26.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, where the winter session of the state legislature is currently going on, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said he has asked officials to remain alert and emphasis on tracking, testing and vaccination.

After the meeting, public health minister Tanaji Sawant said that there was no need to panic as the vaccination in the state has crossed 95 per cent and that the scanning of passengers will begin from Monday, December 26. And the travellers found with symptoms will be isolated.

Moreover, they have directed all the officials to follow a five-point program -- test, track, treat, vaccinate and (ensure) COVID-appropriate behaviour and other precautionary measures such as random testing on fliers and set up a new task force of experts.

Meanwhile, the state health officials have assured that no patient is infected with a new Omicron variant and there is no need to worry. However, it has advised children and people above 60 years old to wear masks in public places and also urged people to maintain social distance at crowded areas.