MUMBAI: Concerned about the prospect of an increase in COVID-19 casesThe Maharashtra government on Monday imposed strict restrictions on people traveling to the state from New Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa, which have recently seen an increase in numbers.
Also within the state, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the government can initiate measures to strictly enforce the rules on the wearing of masks and social distancing and even introduce restrictions to regulate movement in crowded areas.
Three days ago, the Maharashtra government had indicated that it was considering restricting flights and trains arriving from Delhi. However, it has decided to make Covid testing mandatory for those arriving by plane and train from all four states, while those taking the road do not need to test in advance, but will have their symptoms monitored and, if they are symptomatic, they will be asked to take a test. .
According to the notice issued by the Chief Secretary of State Sanjay Kumar, the restrictions apply to all domestic passengers as of November 25, which means that Mumbaikars and those from other parts of the state returning from the four states must also face restrictions. The notification stated that the flyers would have to carry a negative RT-PCR test report. The collection of the sample by RT-PCR should have been carried out within 72 hours after the scheduled landing time. The report will be verified by the Airports Authority of India prior to boarding and must be sent on arrival at the state airports.
Those who do not carry out a test beforehand will have to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test at the landing airport at their expense. It will be the responsibility of the airport in question to organize the test centers and charge the flyers, according to the notification. After testing, the flyer would be allowed to go home and contact information and address taken, and those who tested positive would be contacted and treated according to existing protocols. The municipal commissioners will be the nodal officers who implement the SOPs.
Similarly, rail passengers are required to bring a negative RT-PCR report, and sample collection occurs 96 hours prior to scheduled arrival in the state. Those who do not take the test will be tested at the train station where they get off and those who do not show symptoms will be allowed to return home. Those who are symptomatic will be separated and subjected to a antigen test. If the test is negative, they can proceed, but if it is positive, the passengers will be sent to the Covid Care Centers, the cost of which will be borne by the passengers themselves.
District pickers will need to make arrangements to ensure that commuters taking the road are checked for symptoms. Those showing symptoms will be asked to take an antigen test and, if they test positive, will have the option of returning or going to a Covid Care Center in Maharashtra.
A senior bureaucrat told TOI: “In view of the increase, we were contemplating curbing flights and trains from New Delhi, Gujarat, Goa and Rajasthan to control the spread of Covid-19 in Maharashtra. It was also proposed to seal the entry points into Maharashtra for those coming from these states. But we encountered practical difficulties and all of this required permits from various agencies, so it was ultimately decided to impose strict restrictions on people entering the state, as that will lead to less convenience for people. Bombay Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal played a key role in drafting the notification. ”
Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation Vijay wadettiwar on Monday he said that the state will have to take a call about imposing restrictions on flights, buses and train services in the next 7-8 days.
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