FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The State will follow its own standard operating procedure (SOP) in accordance with the guidelines of Ministry of Civil Aviation for passengers entering Goa by domestic flights.
“In accordance with the guidelines issued by the @MoCA_GoI (Ministry of Civil Aviation), the State of Goa shall also be outlining SOPs for passengers entering the State, viz-a-viz the health protocols,” Health Minister Vishwajit Rane tweeted on Saturday.
Rane on Saturday asked the Centre to allow testing of passenger who will arrive by air from May 25. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed resumption of domestic flights from May 25 and regular train services from June 1. However, it said that passengers need not be tested or quarantined.
“In the wake of resumption of domestic flights from May 25, I have written to ICMR & Ministry of Civil Aviation for their guidance and clarification to conduct antibody testing of the passengers entering the State. Antibody testing will help us to identify asymptomatic patients while screening them at the airport to avoid community transmission,” Rane tweeted.
He said he had a detailed discussion with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant in this regard and that “we are awaiting a positive response from them on the same.”
Rane further said it was very important to ensure that the passengers entering the State by air are asked to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate with all stringent measures in place.
“Goa should lead by example in establishing a comprehensive SOP and implementing strict measures. I am confident that our Chief Minister, who has been very proactive, will support us in drawing up strong and stringent SOPs, that will help us majorly in order to curb community transmission and keep Goa safe,” he said.
