New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry issued fresh guidelines for international flight passengers, which starts international flights from August 8^th onwards. According to the new guidelines people flying into India can seek exemption from institutional quarantine if they come with a Covid- 19 negative report.

As per the Health Ministry fresh guidelines issued on Sunday, the test should have been conducted within 96 hours of undertaking the journey. Passengers submitting false or forged medical reports will be prosecuted. Those coming to India for “compelling reasons/ cases of human distress such as pregnancy, death in family, serious illness and parent (s) with the children of the age of ten years or below” from August 8^th onwards can seek home quarantine for 14 days, instead of seven day paid international quarantine and seven day home quarantine.

If the passengers wish to seek such exemption, they shall apply on www.newdelhiaiport.in atleast 72 hours before boarding. The decision taken by the Government as communicated on the online portal will be final, say the guidelines that will come into effect from 12.01 am on August 8. For travellers coming with a Covid- 19 negative test report, the guidelines say: the (RT-PCR) test report should be uploaded on the portal for consideration.

The test report could also be produced upon arrival at the point of entry airport in India. Before boarding the aircraft to India, all passengers are advised to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices. At the time boarding the flight/ ship, only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed to board after thermal screening. Passengers arriving through land borders will also have to undergo the same protocol as above. On arrival, asymptomatic passenger shall be immediately taken to a medical facility.