West Bengal’s latest travel update–as India witnesses a daunting spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, West Bengal has refreshed its travel norms. Click here to know the latest dos and don’ts. By Presha Mahajan
Issuing a directive for renewed travel norms owing to the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases, the West Bengal Government on April 14, 2021, made it mandatory for incoming travellers from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana, to present a negative RT-PCR test report before stepping out of Kolkata airport. It is to be taken 72 hours before boarding the departure flight.
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As reported by The Times of India, “There is no provision of getting the test done on arrival. The rules also apply for flights departing from the four states mentioned and are bound for Bagdogra and Andal (both in West Bengal),” a senior official mentioned. Kolkata Airport also took to Twitter to inform the public of the same.
Besides West Bengal, many other states and union territories require negative RT-PCR reports from incoming visitors. This includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where unless a test taken 48 hours prior to arrival time is furnished, the passenger will be deported back via the same flight.
Assam, on the other hand, requires incoming passengers to undergo a rapid antigen test, followed by an RT-PCR test. For Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, the window to get tested varies between 48-72 hours.
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As an outcome of these guidelines, airports are likely to see a decrease in passenger footfall, even though no restrictions have been placed on travelling itself. As reported by Hindustan Times, Jyoti Mayal, President of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) says, “People who have re-started their business will suffer again. Already 40 per cent business of the travel and aviation sector has been affected due to the night curfew imposed in the state. COVID-19 cases are increasing not only because people are not wearing masks, but they are also increasing because there are no protocols in place.”
Related: Is India Considering A Second Lockdown? Here’s A State-wise Update
