Govt announces new SOPs at airports

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to modify the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for airports at international arrivals for better control of the spread of coronavirus.

The SOPs shall be applicable on all passengers and flight crew with immediate effect, says a press release issued by Aviation Division on Sunday.As per SOPs, upon arrival by international flights, everyone will be screened as per practice. The swab sample shall not, however, be collected at the airport.All passengers and flight crew shall be quarantined for 24 hours at a location decided by the authorities. After 24 hours swab sample shall be collected for test at the designated facility.

Anyone with positive test result shall be retained at the quarantine or other relevant location. Those with negative test result shall be allowed to leave with strict instructions and guidance for home quarantine. Data of all passengers and flight crew with their mobile numbers will be kept for record and further follow up.