Authorities at Delhi airport, on Wednesday, began random COVID-19 testing of arriving passengers, officials said.
Passengers from various states, who would be found COVID-19 positive at arrival, shall be mandatorily quarantined.
The step has been taken in wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases in various states that was viewed as the emergent second wave.
“As per the latest government mandate, District Disaster Management Authorities shall conduct random COVID-19 testing of passengers coming from the states where the cases are increasing,’’ reads a notice from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
“After collection of samples, the travellers will be allowed to exit.
“However, those passengers who are found positive shall be mandatorily quarantined as per the protocol of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.’’
Previously, the local government in the capital city declared that random testing of COVID-19 would be held across Delhi’s airports, railway and bus stations.
The government said safety measures for COVID-19 should be rigorously observed in public places, especially in markets and malls.
On Tuesday, Federal Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep, Singh Puri, said airports had been asked to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocol adding that violators would be dealt with as per the law.
India is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases.
During the past 24 hours, 53,480 new cases were reported from across the country.
On Wednesday morning, the federal health ministry said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 12,149,335 and the death toll has risen to 162,468.
