Here’s how the second-most populous country in the world is trying to contain coronavirus at airports
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Mar 11, 2020, 09:21 IST
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued guidelines to India’s 23 international airports to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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Passengers for the 12 countries on the DGCA’s watchlist are segregated on arrival. There are dedicated corridors for incoming flights from at-risk countries.
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The passengers from affected countries are prohibited from mixing with passengers from other countries during the health screening, immigration and in the conveyor belt areas.
All incoming passengers from international flights have to file a self-declaration upon arrival stating that they do not have any symptoms, as far they are aware.
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Passengers travelling to India from Italy or the Republic of Korea will require a certificate stating that they tested negative for Covid-19. The certificate has to be from one of the labs authorised by the respective countries.
However, it’s not just international passengers who are screened for symptoms. Domestic passengers also have to undergo mandatory screening before being cleared to leave the airport.
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Airports are using non-contact infra-red thermometers to check passengers for symptoms of the coronavirus.
State doctors are available for all incoming international flights. Shift duty doctors are available for all incoming domestic passengers.
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If any individual is suspected or found positive for coronavirus, each airport has a segregated room where they can be quarantined.
The airports are undertaking extensive sanitation of all areas to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading.
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Airport employees have been advised to wear masks and gloves to reduce the risk of infection — even those at customs who oversee suspicious baggage.
Airlines have been directed to make inflight announcements regarding precautions to prevent a coronavirus infection while travelling.