New Travel Guidelines to Combat Ebola in India
NEW DELHI: Airlines bringing passengers to India from Ebola-affected regions in Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, are now required to have these travelers fill out self-declaration forms before they arrive.
In a move similar to the protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has set new measures to prevent any potential spread of Ebola. Passengers coming from these hotspots will undergo thermal screenings.
If any passengers show symptoms of Ebola, airlines must move them to the back of the aircraft. They should also keep three rows in front and behind empty, whenever possible. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways must inform air traffic control if there are suspected cases on board. This ensures the aircraft can be directed to a separate area for landing.
Health teams will be ready to assist suspected cases once the plane has landed. In-flight protocols require that airlines assign one crew member to take care of the symptomatic passenger. They must also designate a separate restroom for the sick individual, provide them with a mask and personal protective equipment, and ensure thorough disinfection of the aircraft after landing.
In response to these developments, Health Minister J P Nadda has reviewed the country’s preparedness for dealing with Ebola. He instructed officials from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control to maintain strict readiness for tracking, testing, and surveillance efforts.
