Passengers from seven countries where new variants of the coronavirus have led to a rise in infections will have to undergo an RT-PCR test on their arrival in Kolkata.
“The seven countries are New Zealand, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Botswana, China, Bangladesh and South Africa,” said Ajay Chakraborty, the state’s director of health services.
Passengers from these countries or those in transit through these countries will have to undergo the test.
The passengers will be subjected to the test irrespective of their vaccination status and even if they carry a negative report of an RT-PCR test conducted before boarding the flight.
The passengers have to pay for the tests at the Kolkata airport. Those who want the tests to be done for free will be sent to the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute.
“The fliers who will test positive will be admitted to the Beleghata ID Hospital or any private hospital of their choice,” Chakraborty said.
“The fliers from the seven countries will be advised to stay quarantined at home or hotel till the report comes. Transit passengers have to wait till the report comes.”
