COVID-19: Fresh guidelines issued for travellers

New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued State-wise guidelines for domestic and international air passengers.

The guidelines were issued in the wake of the threat posed by the Omicron, the recently found new 'variant of concern.'

The regulations issued by the Union Health Ministry will be applicable for passengers arriving in all States, except Maharashtra, which has imposed additional restrictions.

The Health Ministry guidelines have placed more restrictions on passengers arriving from 'at risk, countries.

Travelling from Kerala

COVID-19 negative RT-PCT certificate is mandatory for entering Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

COVID-19 negative certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival, or total vaccination certificate is mandatory for entering Tamil Nadu.

Besides COVID negative certificate, students and employees arriving in Goa should remain in the quarantine facility provided by the educational institute/employer for five days. After five days, they will have to undergo another COVID-19 test.

Relaxation in norms are provided to health workers, babies aged below 2, and those visiting the State on emergency, such as for attending funerals, etc. Those from other States, but reaching Goa via Kerala, will get relaxation if they have a certificate showing a medical emergency, or those who had received the second dose at least 15 days before arrival and without any symptoms. Those arriving by air will have to submit an affidavit also.

Several municipalities in Gujarat have additional norms for those from Kerala. Those who have received the second dose at least 15 days before arrival will get relaxation in the norms. COVID-19 negative certificate issued 48 hours in advance is mandatory for entering Tripura.

Guidelines for arriving in Kerala

Certificate of total vaccination or COVID-19 negative certificate issued within 72 hours prior to arrival is mandatory.

If symptomatic, a COVID-19 negative result is a must, even if the passenger is totally vaccinated.

Home quarantine is not mandatory for domestic travellers.

Passengers should register themselves on the Jagratha portal (https://covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in/) before travelling to Kerala. They will be asked for the certificate. E-pass will be checked at the airports.