Updated: November 16, 2020 8:12:24 am
Those returning to the state from other countries, including Bengaluru, can apply for exemption from mandatory home quarantine by providing a negative Covid-19 certificate. (Express Photo by Vishal Srivastav)
With Karnataka seeing a drop in coronavirus cases since mid-October and the lifting of more pandemic-related restrictions, the state government has decided to simplify quarantine rules for international passengers arriving in the state. Now those returning to the state from other countries, including Bengaluru, can apply for exemption from mandatory home quarantine by providing a negative Covid-19 certificate.
Currently, what are the quarantine rules for international passengers in Karnataka?
The mandatory institutional / home quarantine for international passengers arriving in Karnataka was implemented in mid-March when coronavirus cases were detected among those returning from abroad. However, the rules have been updated based on the situation at regular intervals.
According to the latest quarantine protocol issued by the Health Commissioner, all international passengers entering the state must undergo a 14-day home quarantine. However, they can be exempted from it if they are asymptomatic and presenting a negative RT-PCR report for a test carried out 72 hours before starting the trip. The test report must be uploaded to the ‘Air Suvidha’ portal at https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration. In addition, a commitment must be presented to the Ministry of Civil Aviation on the portal that they will comply with the decision of a competent government authority to undergo a home installation or quarantine, or to self-control their health for 14 days, as justified.
Can passengers without negative Covid-19 test reports be exempted from quarantine?
Not everyone. Those who wish to apply for exemption from home quarantine must perform RT-PCR tests in the facilities available at airports and must obtain a negative test report for Covid-19. However, this can only be done at airports that offer this facility. Otherwise, it is mandatory to undergo 14 days of home quarantine.
Don’t miss Explained | New study sheds light on long-range aerial scattering of SARS-CoV-2
If the result of all the tests is negative, the passenger will be advised to seek a medical consultation and self-monitor their health for 14 days. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
What happens when a passenger has symptoms upon arrival?
If a passenger arriving from another country in Karnataka has symptoms (fever, cough, cold, sore throat, loss of taste, loss of smell, weakness, body aches, diarrhea, shortness of breath and others), he will be sent to a Dedicated Covid Health Center (DCHC) for Covid-19 testing. Three swabs will be collected from each person. If the test is negative after the rapid antigen test (RAT), the results of the RT-PCR test will also be verified and the patient will be transferred to a Covid hospital or for home isolation according to the instructions of the triage team.
If the result of all the tests is negative, the passenger will be advised to seek a medical consultation and self-monitor their health for 14 days. 📣 Click to follow Express Explained on Telegram
What is the rule for out-of-state passengers arriving in Karnataka?
International passengers from other states arriving at airports located in Karnataka will be allowed to go to their respective states if they are asymptomatic on arrival. However, they will be warned to be in home quarantine after reaching their final destination.
On the other hand, if they are symptomatic on arrival, the mandatory test will be followed by collecting three swabs and the consequent protocol.
Is the negative Covid-19 certificate mandatory for those who take domestic connecting flights?
According to the general rules applicable to all international passengers arriving at any airport in India, a negative report after an RT-PCR Covid-19 test is mandatory in order to take domestic connecting flights to reach the final destination.
Don’t miss Explained | Masks, hand washing: how adults changed behavior over time
A COVID-19 Patient Undergoes Thermal Examination in Bengaluru (PTI)
Are passengers arriving in emergency situations exempt?
Those who come to Karnataka from another country after a death in the family, with a serious illness, if they are pregnant and / or for parents with children under 10 years old will be exempt from the quarantine rules. However, they will have to self-monitor their health for 14 days and seek medical assistance if they develop symptoms.
Additionally, business travelers, short-term travelers, and students who are writing exams in Karnataka will be exempt from quarantine if they submit a negative RT-PCR test report for a test performed 72 hours before travel.
Are Covid-19 tests performed on arrival in Karnataka for free?
No. The cost of all Covid-19 tests performed by international passengers, either at the airport or at the designated DCHC, will be borne by the passengers themselves, per the guidelines issued by the Karnataka state government.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
.
