the goan I network
VASCO
Even as seven major airports across the country have been directed to install thermal-screening equipment to screen people arriving from China for the new coronavirus, the Goa International Airport has not been instructed to install such scanners as yet.
The seven airports asked to install thermal-screening equipment are at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi, while airlines and airport staff have also been instructed to initiate measures as passengers arrive from China.
“These steps have been taken on the basis of advisories received from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the threat of the novel coronavirus disease in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. All passengers and stakeholders are requested to take appropriate precautionary measures in this regard,” stated a tweet from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
When contacted, Goa International Airport Director Gagan Malik on Friday said Goa Airport was presently not on the list of seven airports notified by the Indian Government to install thermal scanners, considering concerns over coronavirus.
“Goa International Airport is not on the list of the seven airports notified by the Indian Government for thermal scanners. We don’t have any direct flights arriving into Goa from China. If the government issues a notification that the virus is spreading, we may take the necessary steps in the future. As of now, there is no threat to the Goa Airport because there are no direct flights from China, Singapore or Vietnam,” said Malik.
