Srinagar, Dec 03 (KNS): In wake of the emergence of the Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest, Omicron, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have made Covid-19 RT-PCR test mandatory at the Srinagar International Airport for international arrivals, while people arriving from “At-Risk” nation, who test negative, have been advised to remain in home quarantine for 7 days.

In an order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service (KNS), State Executive Committee issued the order under section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for additional measures with regard to International Arrivals in J&K.

The order stated that gigorous screening and conduct of Covid19 RT-PCR Test shall be made mandatory at the Srinagar International Airport for International Arrivals as per the guidelines issued from time to time by MoHFW.

“Any person found Covid19 positive shall be quarantined (Institutional) and treated as per standard protocol. The Samples of positive cases shall be sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) promptly, as per the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Guidance Document,” reads the order.

It reads that close tracking and testing of the contacts of travellers who have tested positive, as per MoHFW guidelines shall be adhered to.

“Designated Surveillance Officers must establish a close coordination with their designated, tagged INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) for expediting results of genomic analysis.”

It reads that necessary Public Health measures should be taken in case of presence of Variants of Concern or Variants of interest (VOCs/Vols) is reported by the INSACOG network.

The order also stated that the people from “At-Risk” nations, who test negative will, however, have to be in home quarantine for 7 days. 

“They should be tested again on Day 8 and if test negative, shall be advised to monitor themselves carefully for at least 02 weeks.”

It reads that travellers coming from countries considered not at risk and whose samples have tested negative should be advised to monitor themselves carefully for at least 02.

The order further stated that the Principle of “Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate” shall be implemented in order to ensure stringent implementation of containment measures as per MoHFW guidelines and to prevent the spread of Variants of Concern or Variants of interest (VoC/Vol) and formation of clusters of cases. (KNS)