Chandigarh, September 23:
International traveler who do not submit a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival at Airport in India shall be tested by Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) Kits. If Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) comes negative for COVID-19 she/he may opt for Home qurantine.
Disclosing this here today, the Health Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu said that after tested by RAT, they will get tested for COVID-19 on 5th day of arrival by RT-PCR as per protocol at their respective districts. When reports come and if they test negative, home quarantine ends. They will self monitor their health for next 7 days and report if any symptoms develop. If RT-PCR for COVID -19 is found to be positive, they shall be assessed clinically and follow the Punjab COVID-19 management protocol. He said that these revised guidelines have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons of Punjab.
Mr. Sidhu further said that if RAT comes positive for COVID-19, he/she may opt for Home isolation/Government Isolation Facility or Private Facility on payment basis and will be treated as per COVID-19 management protocol. He said that person opting for home isolation will submit a consent form stating that he/she has a facility for home isolation at his/her residence, is asymptomatic/mild-symptomatic and not have any morbidity or the comorbid condition is under control. The person will strictly follow the home isolation protocol.
The Minister said that as per guidelines, all international travelers arriving in Punjab through Air/Road travel will submit self-declaration with personal and health details at www.newdelhiairport.in and hand over a copy of the same to State officers. He said that travelers would also be screened as per the health protocol at the port of entry. All foreign travelers entering the state shall fill in undertaking and submit to District Health/Administration Authorities.
Travelers who will submit a negative RT-PCR test report (conducted within 96 hrs prior to undertaking the journey) before arrival on the portal and produce a copy of same on arrival will be allowed home quarantine adding that he said they will also be asked to submit a written undertaking to health officials/district administration for self-monitoring of their health status and would download COVA app and keep it active. In case, any symptoms develop they shall inform the district surveillance officer or district administration. Travelers who do not submit a negative RT-PCR test report on arrival shall be tested by Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) Kits.
The Minister clarified that travelers will follow all precautionary measures issued by Govt. of Punjab for prevention of COVID -19 spread such as hand hygiene, wearing mask, and maintain social distancing etc.