Mumbai airport revises rates of Rapid PCR test, ramps up testing

Amid rising concerns over the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, the authorities at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) have stepped up testing facilities to cater to the new travel guidelines put in place by the Centre and state government.

In an official statement on Saturday, the airport authorities said they have set up 100 registration counters and 60 sampling booths to handle the Covid-19 testing requirements. They have also arranged 100 Rapid PCR machines.

REVISED TEST RATES
The Mumbai Airport has revised the rate for Rapid PCR tests to Rs 3,900 from the earlier Rs 4,500.

“Normal RT-PCR test costs Rs 600 at CSMIA. The reduced charges will help passengers avail tests at minimal cost and enable them to travel safely,” an official said.

International arrivals – ‘At risk’ countries
Passengers arriving from countries which have been declared ‘at risk’ (such as European nations including United Kingdom, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Brazil, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel) are deboarded on priority.

They all have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival. They are required to wait for their test results before leaving or taking a connecting flight. If the RT-PCR test is found to be positive, the passenger will be shifted to a designated isolation facility or hospital by the authorities.

International arrivals – South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe
Passengers arriving from South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe and those who have visited any of these three countries in the last 15 days before arrival in Maharashtra must undergo mandatory institutional quarantine for seven days after giving their RT-PCR test at CSMIA.

“Such passengers shall also undergo second RT-PCR test on seventh day. If any of the RT-PCR tests is found to be positive, then such passenger will be shifted to a hospital with Covid treatment facilities by the authorities. If seventh day test is found negative, passenger will have to undergo further seven days of home quarantine,” an official said.

International arrivals – Other countries
Travellers from countries excluding those at risk are allowed to leave the airport and shall self-monitor their health for 14 days’ post arrival.

A sub-section (two per cent of total passengers on random) are required to undergo RT-PCR test post-arrival at CSMIA. “The two per cent of such travellers on each flight are identified by the concerned airline (preferably from different countries). Such travellers are escorted by the concerned airlines to RT-PCR testing area on arrival,” an official said.

Domestic arrivals
Domestic arrivals are required to be double-vaccinated or they must carry a negative RT-PCR test report carried out within 72 hours before boarding for Mumbai.

What about children?
As per officials, children under five years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing. “However, if found symptomatic for Covid-19 on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and be treated as per laid down protocol,” an official said.

Testing figures so far
As per airport authorities, by December 3, a total of 6,732 international passengers from at-risk and other countries arrived at Mumbai airport.

969 international passengers underwent RT-PCR tests of which 214 passengers took the standard RT-PCR test and 755 passengers opted for Rapid PCR test. India Today