Covid-19 Spike In Odisha: Mandatory RT-PCR Test At Bhubaneswar Airport For All Travellers From Jan 7

In view of the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in Odisha, the State government has issued fresh guidelines which will be applicable to all air-travellers arriving at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar from Friday.

As per the guidelines issued by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), all air traveller de-boarding at Bhubaneswar, except those in transit, shall have to undergo RT-PCR test.

The passengers who have already been fully vaccinated or in possession of RT-PCR negative report shall also have to be tested at BPIA at the designated testing facility which will be set up by the BMC.

As per the guidelines, the travellers whose destination is Bhubaneswar shall have to isolate themselves at home till the RT-PCR result is communicated to them by the BMC.

“The usual protocol for positive cases will be followed in case positive cases are found from the travellers. The guidelines will come into effect from January 7, 2022,” the BMC notification read.

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha saw the highest single-day jump in Covid-19 cases in over five months on Thursday when 1,897 persons tested positive for the virus (in the past 24 hours).

Earlier in the day, Director, Health Servicss, Bijay Mohapatra said that the State is likely to see a spurt in the Covid-19 cases. “Omicron, the new Covid-19 variant is prevalent in most parts of the State. Hence the number of cases will increase further in Odisha in coming days like all other states in the country,” said Mohapatra.