'Domestic passengers at Mumbai airport must have negative RT-PCR report within 72 hours of departure'

According to the state government`s statement, Maharashtra`s 7-day quarantine for arrivals from `at-risk` countries will be effective from December 2 midnight

As per a Maharashtra government order dated December 1, it is now mandatory for domestic passengers, taking a flight from Mumbai airport, to have a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure.

According to the state government's statement, Maharashtra's 7-day quarantine for arrivals from 'at-risk' countries will be effective from December 2 midnight, stated a report in NDTV.

The Maharashtra government has asked Mumbai airport authorities to inform all domestic airlines that they cannot board passengers for Mumbai without a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure.

Also Read: Maharashtra govt mandates institutional 7-day quarantine for travellers from at-risk countries

In exceptional cases like family distress, says the statement, testing may be allowed on arrival at the Mumbai airport.

Deferring the Maharashtra order for mandatory quarantine of passengers from international airports by two days, the Centre said many passengers have already finalised travel plans and are on the move. Many could be in flight and would not be aware of the new rules. "It is considered necessary to give some time to the passengers from risk countries to plan their travel in view of the Maharashtra government orders," said the Centre's note.