Corporate Newsletter December 2021 (Special Edition)

The world has turned upside down in the last 72 hours since WHO has declared ‘Omnicron’ as a variant of concern. The timing could not be worse just before the year-end holidays.

In the last 48 hours, the Indian Govt. has updated the guidelines for international arrivals to India with effect from 1st December. Please Click here to view the detailed guidelines. (Updated on 30th Nov ’21)

In addition, some state governments have also released new guidelines for international arrivals into their states. We have compiled the information received by the Centre and the States which is updated as of 2nd Dec, 1500 hrs IST. The situation is dynamic and evolving and we will strive to keep you updated with major new developments.

Update from the Central Government

Updated classification of ‘At Risk’ Countries:

The core of the Central Government’s plan to handle international arrivals is to classify the countries from where travellers are arriving into two categories: ‘At Risk’ and ‘Not at Risk’. And different set of guidelines apply for each category.

“At-Risk Countries” declared by India as of 01 Dec 2021 currently include all 44 countries in Europe including UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

Countries not specifically mentioned in the ‘At Risk’ list will be considered ‘Not At Risk’. Countries will be added to the ‘At Risk’ list by the Centre depending on the outbreak of the new variant in those countries and will issue notifications from time to time.

Here are Centre’s guidelines for arriving passengers that have been implemented by Delhi State without any amendments (unlike Maharashtra and Karnataka which have used the Centre’s guidelines and made them more stringent)

For travellers coming from countries ‘at risk’ to Delhi IGI Airport:

All international passengers arriving in Delhi’s IGI airport from the countries listed under ‘countries at risk’ are required to mandatorily submit:

• Self-declaration form in the online Air Suvidha portal (48 hrs prior to travel)
• Upload a negative RT-PCR report (conducted within 72 hrs. prior to undertaking the journey)
• Undergo mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival
• Wait for the test results before leaving the airport or taking a connecting flight (waiting period is approx. 6 to 8 hours)
• 7 days home quarantine is mandated with re-test on 8th day, If negative then self-monitor health for another 7 days

For travellers coming from countries excluding those ‘at risk’ at Delhi airport:

Passengers arriving from countries excluding those countries at risk are required to submit:

• Self-declaration form in the online Air Suvidha portal (48 hrs prior to travel)
• Upload a negative RT-PCR report (conducted within 72 hrs. prior to undertaking the journey)
• Need not undertake any test upon arrival – however a random sample of 2% of the travellers (chosen at the discretion of the airlines in the flight itself where seat numbers will be announced for random testing) will undergo RT-PCR testing at the airport on arrival and can exit the airport or take a connecting flight ONLY after getting the negative RT-PCR report
• Remaining passengers can exit the airport or take connecting flights
• Passengers are expected to self-monitor their health for 14 days

Here is an algorithm released by the Central Government on guidelines for passengers arriving from ‘at risk’ and ‘not at risk’ countries:

The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at Delhi’s IGI Airport is>> https://www.newdelhiairport.in/faq

If any of the passengers develop symptoms during the home quarantine or self-health monitoring period, they should report to the nearest health facility or contact the national Covid-19 helpline (1075) or any of the state helpline numbers.

International airports gear up for separate holding areas:

In the revised guidelines, airports are expected to have separate holding areas where passengers can wait for the on-arrival RT-PCR test results. Airports are directed to have proper amenities in place for passengers. Signages may be placed and volunteers may be hired to guide passengers to the hold area.

Update for arrivals at Mumbai International Airport

In addition to the Centre’s guidelines, the Maharashtra government has reviewed the covid situation and issued its own set of guidelines for international passengers arriving at Mumbai airport.

New Classification of ‘Ultra high risk’ countries:

Maharashtra govt. has classified passengers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lasotho, Zimbabwe and Eswatini as ‘ulta high’ risk where they will have to undergo institution quarantine for 7 days. Besides, if any passengers has visited these countries in 15 days preceding their arrival into Mumbai, will also have to undergo 7 days institution quarantine.

An RT-PCR test will be conducted on day of arrival (day 1) and on the 8th day when the traveller completes institution quarantine. If the test result is negative, then they can proceed home for another 7 days of home quarantine. If tested positive, the traveller will be sent to Seven Hills hospital or dedicated private hospital (to be advised).

Other key points in Maharashtra’s latest order:

• Except for the passengers arriving from the countries listed above, other passengers from ‘at risk’ countries shall be subject to protocols prescribed by the Central Government in its order dated 30th Nov ‘21
• Passengers arriving from countries ‘not at risk’ will also be subject to protocols prescribed by the Central Government in its order dated 30th Nov ‘21
• Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) will have its own proforma of declaration for arriving passengers into MIAL where they have to declare details of the countries visited in the last 15 days
• Passengers who are symptomatic on arrival (irrespective of which country they have arrived from) will also be sent to institution quarantine for 7 days

The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at MIAL is>> https://csmia.adaniairports.com/faqs.aspx

Update for arrivals at Bengaluru International Airport

In addition to the Centre’s guidelines, Karnataka has issued its own set of guidelines for international passengers arriving into Bengaluru International Airport from 1st Dec.

Currently, RT-PCR testing is done only for passengers coming from ‘at risk’ countries. As per the new guidelines, ALL arriving international travellers will have to undergo an RT-PCR test AND undergo mandatory home quarantine for 7 days and get re-tested on the 8th day.

Passengers who test positive will be hospitalised and treated separately. The government will soon issue a notification on when the new travel guidelines will come into force.

COVID testing facility at BENGALURU airport:

• The testing unit, managed and operated by Bengaluru-based Auriga Research Private Limited, is available at arrival terminal
• Expect the regular RT-PCR test results in 5 to 6 Hours
• Rapid RT-PCR testing facility is available at a cost of Rs 3000 with results available in under 2 hours.

The link to stay updated with the latest travel guidelines at Bengaluru airport is>> https://www.bengaluruairport.com/travellers/passenger-services/faqs-at-blr.html#COVID

Update for arrivals at Goa airport

• All international passengers coming to Goa - whether at Goa Airport or Mormugao Port - will have to undergo a COVID-19 test
• Travellers coming from 'at-risk countries' will have to strictly undergo 14-day quarantine. People from other nations will have to undergo 14-day self-isolation after tests