Pakistan Implements Compulsory Airport Screening in Response to Global Surge in Covid-19
Published on: January 10, 2024.
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Increase in Covid-19 Cases Prompts Screening Protocols at Pakistan’s International Airports
In response to the surge in Covid-19 cases globally, screening protocols have been mandated at all international airports across Pakistan. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued immediate orders for the screening of 2 percent of passengers on international flights. These measures are in line with the directives from the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).
The implementation of Covid-19 screening for passengers will be gradually initiated at major airports throughout the country. According to guidelines, two percent of passengers on each flight will undergo rapid antigen testing. The CAA spokesperson emphasized the importance of these measures in curbing the potential spread of the virus.
To enhance safety measures, the CAA has also directed the fumigation of passenger lounges at least once a day. Airport staff has been instructed to provide full cooperation and support to Border Health Services officials.
These screening protocols are part of global efforts to manage and mitigate the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. By implementing these measures, Pakistan aims to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors.
Covid-19 Cases Detected at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport
The Sindh health department has confirmed two cases of Covid-19 in passengers who arrived at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. Health officials suspect these cases to be of the highly transmissible JN.1 variant, which is currently a cause of concern worldwide.
The two affected passengers, aged between 50 and 60, arrived from Bangkok and Jeddah on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Lab samples have been sent to a Dow University of Health Sciences laboratory for further testing.
The National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) recently decided to conduct Covid-19 testing for passengers arriving from abroad. This decision was made due to the emergence of the new variant, Covid JN-1. However, Pakistan has not reported any cases of this new variant so far.
The caretaker federal Minister for Health, Dr. Nadeem Jan, stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and the risk of the variant spreading in Pakistan is currently low. Nevertheless, caution is necessary to ensure the safety of the population.
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