The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for international passengers arriving in the state to carry a negative RT-PCR report of the COVID-19 test.
As per an order issued by Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte all international passengers arriving in Maharashtra, including those from the European countries, Middle Eastern countries and South Africa, will be in line with the above-mentioned guidelines issued by the Union ministry of health and family welfare.
Also Read: State to gradually permit yatras, fairs and other cultural events in Maharashtra
According to an official, the RT-PCR sample collection should have been taken within 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of landing at airports in the state.
The decision was taken in line with the standard operating protocol (SOP) issued by the central government for international travellers to avoid confusion, said the government.
Moreover, the statement also mentioned that fully vaccinated passengers or those who have already taken both doses of vaccine will also have to carry the negative COVID-19 test report.
On July 15, the state government exempted all fully vaccinated international passengers from the mandatory negative RT-PCR report, if they have completed 15 days since the second dose of the vaccine.
With the possibility of India hurtling towards the third wave of coronavirus, the state government had cautioned that Maharashtra could witness around 60 lakh cases in such a situation.
Considering the rise in cases, the state health minister warned of restrictions in districts with high positivity rates.
Share
Tweet
