Podcasts by SANGYAN for Public Health FAQs and Education

Omicron (FAQ Set 4 in Kannada): RT-PCR Test & Travel Guidelines


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5 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q18. Whether children under 5 year should undergo RT - PCR test for Covid- 19 if planned to travel? No, children under 5 years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf Last updated on: 20/January/2022

19. When genome sequencing is done for Omicron? 

Genome Sequencing is done for surveillance purposes and is not required to be undertaken for treatment purposes.It is to be performed only in a subset of positive samples as per recommendations of INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Consortium).The newer SARS-CoV-2 Omicron or variant detection rRTPCR assays are recommended to be used in areas with limited genomic surveillance capacity for quick detection of emergence of newer variants in such areas.

Source: https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/strategy/Advisory_COVID_Testing_10012022.pdf

Last updated on: 10/January/2022

20. What should you do if you wish to travel Internationally?

  1. All travellers should - Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal before the scheduled travel, including last 14 days travel details. 
  2. Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report*. The report should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey
  3. Decision of appropriate government authority to undergo home/institutional quarantine/ self-health monitoring.
  4. Continuing with the earlier approach, travellers from certain specified Countries (based on epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in those Countries) are identified for additional follow up.
  5. All travellers who need to undertake testing on arrival, should preferably pre-book the test online on Air Suvidha Portal, to facilitate timely testing.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

21. What is the protocol for those arriving from ‘at risk’ countries?

Individuals who are originating or transiting from at-risk countries will undergo post arrival testing, quarantine if tested negative, home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake RTPCR test on the 8th day repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 upload negative report on Air Suvidha portal (to be monitored by the respective States/UTs).

However, if tested positive, their samples will be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network and shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.The contacts of such positive case should be kept under home quarantine and monitored strictly by the concerned State Government as per laid down protocol. 

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

22. What are the RT-PCR test/ Isolation guidelines for those who are Travelers from Countries?

2% of the total flight preferably from different countries shall undergo post-arrival testing at random at the airport on arrival and Laboratories shall prioritize testing of samples from such travellers. All travellers (including those 2% who were selected for random testing on arrival and were found negative) will undergo home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India. Travelers shall also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 done on 8th day on Air Suvidha portal. If the 8th day RT-PCR test is negative, they will further self-monitor their health for the next 7 days. However, if such travellers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing and isolated according to standard protocol.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

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