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Foreign returnees can now self-isolate at home after seven days of hotel quarantine, says MHA, also ordering hotels to refund half the amount charged for the initial 14-day period. By Tanvi Jain
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issued an advisory to all the states mentioning that citizens quarantined at hotels post their return from abroad don’t need to complete 14 days, and can instead self-isolate at home after seven days only. It further stated that as per the revised guidelines the hotels must refund half the amount charged in advance for the initial mandatory 14-day period.
“Report: Indians coming back from abroad being charged in advance for 14-days quarantine stay by earmarked Hotels @MoHFW_INDIA guidelines allow such persons to leave for home quarantine after 7 days. Direct hotels to charge only for 7 days & refund balance: MHA to States #COVIDー19,” MHA Spokesperson tweeted.
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The MHA also issued a fresh set of Standard Operating Protocols (SOP), stating that the return of stranded Indians from abroad will be a paid service and those in distress including the ones who lost their job or expecting mothers will be given preference. A similar SOP was also issued for those stranded in India and wish to travel abroad.
The MHA has allowed seven days of paid hotel quarantine to the foreign returnees at their own cost and later seven more days of self–isolation at home. However, in cases such as pregnancy, death of kin, health issues, and those with kids below 10 years of age, will be allowed to opt for 14-day home quarantine based on an assessment by the receiving state, along with the mandatory installation of the Aarogya Setu App.
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India is currently under its fourth phase of lockdown which was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for an initial period of 21 days, but considering the rising cases of Coronavirus, it was later extended first on April 14, then on May 3 and again on May 17 till May 31.
Related: Did You Know About These Quarantine Rules For People Entering Different States Via Flights?
