Omicron: Quarantine Mandatory for Travellers Coming from Countries “at-Risk” Even If RT-PCR Report Negative: DMET Director

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of Omicron outbreak, the travellers from the countries deemed “at-risk” will have to undergo a mandatory 7-day home quarantine even if they test negative for COVID-19, informed Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Odisha Dr Rama Raman Mohanty on Tuesday.

As per the latest guidelines of the Union Health Ministry, the international passengers are required to submit 14 days’ travel history and upload negative Covid test results.

Travelers from 12 at-risk countries will be subjected to testing and extra surveillance. They will need to take the Covid test post-arrival and wait for results at the airport before leaving or taking any connecting flights.

If the RT-PCR test is negative, they’ll follow home quarantine for 7 days, re-test on the 8th day and if negative again, further self-monitor for the next 7 days, the DMET Director said.

The “at-risk” countries include the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.