Delhi airport SOP issued for passengers from abroad

As the process of bringing back Indians stuck abroad started, the Delhi government issued an SOP for handling the passengers landing at Delhi airport.

In an order issued on Wednesday by the Delhi Health Department, Shilpa Shinde, Special Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) has been directed to coordinate with the Nodal Officer appointed by the Ministry of External Affairs for Delhi, DGHS office, District Magistrate office and implement the instructions.

"In view of planned phased return of Indian nationals stranded abroad by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in coordination with Indian missions abroad, all stakeholders are directed to follow following guidelines to mitigate the possibility of spread of COVID-19 in India," the order said listing the SOP.

It says the detailed list of passengers with their passport details, arrival date and time should be shared with the Nodal Officer of Delhi government by the nodal officer appointed by MEA at least one day in advance, so that it can be coordinated with respective Resident Commissioners and Nodal Officer appointed by the states.

The SOP said the DGHS will provide PPE kits and all other consumables.

"B.S. Charan (from the office of DGHS) will be in charge to coordinate arrangements of 20 medical teams (four teams each from three corporations and NDMC and four teams from RTRM Hospital) for triaging of the passengers"

The SOP said the District Magistrate, New Delhi will coordinate with airport authorities and appoint a nodal officer in charge for triage room and make all the arrangements in coordination with airport authorities for triaging the passengers.

The order also said the passengers will be quarantined at the paid facility for a period of 14 days from the date of arrival as per the protocol.

"District Magistrate, New Delhi will create a paid quarantine facility near the airport. DM, South and South East will also create paid quarantine in their districts. They would designate the nodal officers, requisition required DTC buses and coordinate with all concerned for hassle free movement."

The DGHS was asked to provide medical teams, PPE kits etc, at the paid quarantine facility.

"The team may be formed by taking doctors from the less-loaded hospitals."

The order said the passengers who are not residents of Delhi can be looked after by the Resident Commissioners and nodal officers of their respective states and can take care of their people after triage including boarding and lodging in Delhi and transportation to their respective states.

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From Thursday, India will commence the air evacuation operations for Indians stuck abroad due to the lockdown.

Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express will start the first phase of the mission and will operate 64 flights in seven days to bring back 14,800 stranded Indians from 12 countries.