Afghanistan evacuees to undergo mandatory 14-day institutional quarantine in Delhi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Aug 24, 2021: All of 78 people evacuated from Afghanistan by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday were placed in quarantine upon their arrival in New Delhi. This group included 25 Indian nationals and 53 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

 

The mandatory quarantine was initiated as per a guideline issued by the Health Ministry on August 23. This guideline makes it mandatory for those arriving in India from Afghanistan to remain in institutional quarantine for at least 14 days from the day of arrival at the Chhawla camp in Najafgarh.

Given the situation in Afghanistan, there has been an exemption from mandatory pre-boarding RT-PCTR testing, which is usually compulsory for international travellers.

"As the COVID-19 immunization status of these individuals is unknown, and the exact extent of COVID-19 transmission (including circulation of variants) in Afghanistan is unclear at present, as a matter of abundant precaution, it has been decided that the arriving persons shall undergo a mandatory minimum 14 days’ institutional quarantine at Sector Headquarters Logistic and Communications, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Chhawla Camp," the Union Health Ministry’s office memorandum said.

" The Government of India is undertaking emergency evacuation of people from Afghanistan to India," the Health Ministry said.

The office memorandum added, "The ITBP shall make the requisite arrangements for arranging transportation of passengers from the airport to Chawala camp, Najafgarh."If any traveller tests positive for Covid-19 or is found to be symptomatic, they will be immediately shifted to Covid-19 dedicated care centres in Delhi, sources told India Today.

All nodal agencies have been instructed to share details of said travellers with the Health Ministry.

Of the 78 people who were evacuated on Monday, none have tested positive for Covid-19.

Courtesy:India Today