Omicron scare: From RT-PCR testing to large sitting areas, Mumbai airport ready to fight

Mumbai : Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport said that they are prepared to test passengers coming from 'high risk' nations and arrangements are in place to keep high level check and for convenience of the passengers.

The authorities have put in place 48 registration counters and 40 testing booths at international arrivals for RT-PCR testing.

"In addition to normal RT-PCR, 30 Rapid PCR machines, are available for the passengers having connecting onward flights with short connecting time. This facility will be upscaled further if required," Mumbai Airport said.

The airport authorities have also made it clear those passengers who haven’t done pre-booking of RT-PCR test online, their QR codes will be displayed at various locations in arrival corridor. "Physical forms for RT-PCR registration also made available to passengers on board with help of airlines which they can fill before disembarking from flight," CSMIA said.

"A large sitting area for the passengers awaiting their RT-PCR results has been activated with Amenities like washrooms, Food and Beverage," the airport added.

Earlier, Mumbai Mayor had said that passengers coming from South Africa will have to go under mandatory quarantine and if any of the passenger tests positive then the sample will be sent for genome sequencing.

“There are concerns in Mumbai about the new variant of coronavirus. Genome sequencing of (positive) passengers coming from South Africa will be done. There is no restriction on outbound flights in any way. But this decision has been taken keeping in view past experience,” Mayor Mayuri Pednekar said on Saturday.

“There is an increased risk of COVID-19 in other nations, so those coming from abroad will have to undergo genome tests. I request everyone to maintain social distancing and wear masks so that this new menace can be stopped,” she added.