RT-PCR, vax proof likely for some international flyers

The rule, which is under consideration, would be for passengers arriving from countries reporting Covid-19 surge

The Union health ministry is examining the reintroduction of mandatory ‘air suvidha’ forms with details of RT-PCR test conducted 72 hours prior to travel or complete vaccination proof for passengers coming from China and other countries reporting high number of Covid-19 cases, said an official source. The source said, “A decision in this regard will be taken after monitoring the Covid-19 situation in the country for a few weeks and if warranted, as a matter of abundant precaution in view of increasing trajectory of cases globally”.

Ramp up testing: PM

Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to assess the Covid-19 situation in the country, preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics. He directed officials to ramp up testing and also genomic sequencing efforts.

He urged everyone to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded public places, at all times, according to a statement by the PMO. States have been asked to share a larger number of samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories for genome sequencing on a daily basis, the PMO said.

Also read: Mandaviya to hold virtual meeting with state health ministers today on Covid-19

Modi also urged that precaution dose may be encouraged especially for vulnerable and elderly groups. He also advised states to audit Covid-specific facilities to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders. India logged 185 new infections, while the active cases declined to 3,402, according to health ministry data updated on Thursday morning.

BJP suspends ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’

The BJP, in the meanwhile, has suspended its “Jan Aakrosh Yatra” in Rajasthan in view of a rising number of Coronavirus cases globally. “For the BJP, people come first before politics. For us the safety of people, their health is priority,” party general secretary Arun Singh said on Thursday said. “As for Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, it is a flop show. It is nothing but a morning evening walk. The Congress should not play with the health of the people for its petty politics,” he said.

Will follow Covid rules, but won’t stop Yatra: Congress

The Congress will follow all COVID-related guidelines, but the Bharat Jodo Yatra will not be stopped, senior party leader Salman Khurshid said on Thursday. Questioning the timing of the letter, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on Twitter, “4 cases of Omicron sub-variant driving Chinese surge were reported in Gujarat and Odisha in July, September & November.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with young supporters during the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, in Nuh, Haryana, on Thursday. Pic/PTI

“Health minister writes a letter to Rahul Gandhi yesterday. PM is reviewing situation today. Bharat Jodo Yatra will enter Delhi day after. Ab Aap Chronology Samjhiye,” he said. Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the yatra, said the government is coming up with “excuses” to stop them. The yatra, which started in Kanyakumari on September 7, has covered Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

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