VASCO: In view of sudden rise in Covid-19 cases globally, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Goa, has issued new protocols and guidelines to be followed for international arrivals, wherein passengers will undergo random testing from Saturday onwards.

The passengers found to be symptomatic during on-arrival thermal screening shall be immediately isolated and taken to a designated medical facility, as per AAI’s health protocol.

A sub-section, that is two per cent of the total passengers in each flight, shall undergo random post-arrival testing at the airport. Such travellers in each flight shall be identified by the airlines concerned, preferably from different countries. They will submit their samples and shall be allowed to leave the airport thereafter. If such travellers test positive, their samples would be further sent for genomic testing at the INSACOG laboratory network.

The travellers found positive for the infection will be treated and isolated as per the standard protocols. Children under 12 years of age are exempted from random post-arrival testing.

However, if found symptomatic for Covid-19 on arrival or during the period of self-monitoring, they shall undergo testing and receive treatment.