Delhi Airport started Preparation to fight from Omicron variant

Passengers will now need to wait for an RT-PCR tests upon arrival

 New Delhi: New rules for testing has start for travelers coming from different countries where Omicron cases have been found. Delhi International airport showcased his preparations.

Chairs are socially distanced which have been placed in long rows within a holding area for passengers who will have to wait for an RT-PCR tests upon arrival.

Tomorrow onwards, On the arrival, Covid testing will be must for the passengers from more than 14 at-risk nations where the Omicron variant has been detected, before they are allowed to leave the Airport.

The government has made rules for screening and testing of international arrivals after a man returned from South Africa tested positive for COVID-19. The strain has not yet been established so far.

All arrivals from Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel will be tested at the airport using the RT-PCR method.

Also, according to the Union Health Ministry, Travelers from other countries will be randomly tested.

States like Karnataka and Delhi have fixed a seven-day quarantine period mandatory for all international passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged officials to review a decision to resume all scheduled international flights from December 15.

CM Uddhav Thackeray and Arvind Kejriwal have urged the Centre to stop flights from countries affected by Omicron variant.

Omicron or the B.1.1.529 Covid variant was initially detected in South Africa last week and has been designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a ''variant of concern'' as well.

In a meeting, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan advised states and Union Territories to increase testing for early identification and management of cases. Mr Bhushan said, The new variant doesn't escape RT-PCR and RAT tests.