the goan I network
VASCO
As part of steps to tackle the spread of coronavirus, Dabolim Airport Director Gagan Malik on Wednesday said the State government and Airport authorities would set up two quarantine centres to screening passengers with suspected coronavirus symptoms.
“The central government has given clear-cut instructions that passengers on international flights have to be screened and passengers fill self-declaration forms after which they are checked and screened at three special counters.”
“Based on medial advice, we then taking a further decision on whether they are to be quarantined, isolated or sent home,” said Malik.
“As per latest instructions that we have received, all passengers arriving after 12.00 hrs GMT will have to be essentially quarantined for 14 days, especially those passengers through transit hubs like the Gulf countries,” said Malik.
The airport director informed that the State government held discussions with airport authorities and passengers arriving early morning from Sharjah or Dubai will be quarantined as part of these measures.
“The State government has readied two floors of ESI Hospital in Margao and the old Coast Guard office in Harbour is also being readied as quarantine centres. All international passengers arriving will be essentially quarantined by taking them to these quarantine centres. Buses and ambulances have been arranged for these operations.”
“Passengers in batches of 40 will be inspected at these centres and there are A, B and C categories and it will be then decided as per their age and previous health parameters such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, etc.”
“In case of C category, the State government will take a call if they have to be quarantined at the centre or at home or place under isolation.”
“Because foreign passengers are also arriving on domestic flights, we have to clearly understand that international passengers on domestic flights have gone through immigration at some other airport and they may have been screened and given clearance.”
The airport director said efforts are being made to work out how domestic passengers can be handled and they too have to be screened and if so, what procedures and protocols could be adopted.”
“But there is nothing concrete from the central government as of now, but yes there is a lot of discussion on this aspect and a decision may likely come up in a day or two. The AAI will follow whatever guidelines and directives are issued in this regard,” said Malik.
Given the fact that coronavirus is highly contagious, the airport director said all touch points, counters and offices are being disinfected thrice a day, besides fumigation. Airports all over the country are video conferencing daily to get updates on any information regarding the coronavirus,” said Malik.
“There is drastic drop of around 70-80% of international passengers and domestic passengers have also been dropped by 35-40%. Air India has stopped its flights to Kuwait and Dubai and as of now, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia and Oman Air are operating flights,” said Malik.
