India on Monday announced it would discontinue the self-declaration of Covid-19 vaccination through its Air Suvidha portal from today.
The forms had to be filled in by international passengers arriving in India. Following revised Guidelines for International Arrivals issued by India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice, making the registration no longer necessary.
The circular said, “The present guidelines are being revised in light of sustained declining Covid-19 trajectory and significant advances being made in Covid-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India.”
As per the document, passengers planning for travel, “should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in the country.”
During travel, “In-flight announcement about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flight /travel and at all points of entry.
“Any passenger having symptoms of Covid-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow-up treatment.”
Upon arrival, the guideline states, “De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing. Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry. The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocols.”
The guidelines also urge passengers to self-monitor their health post-arrival and report to their nearest health facility in case they have any suggestive symptoms.
