NEW DELHI: Tightening protocols to “protect Delhiites” from the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2, Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal on Friday said that travellers coming to Delhi from the United Kingdom will have to undergo a seven-day institutional quarantine even if they test negative for COVID-19.
After completion of the institutional quarantine, such passengers will have to go under home-quarantine for another seven days which will be ensured through “strict surveillance” by district authorities.
In an order issued on Friday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said the new rules would be applicable on a trial basis till January 14.
“…In view of the increased transmissibility of the new variant, it is decided that all travellers coming from the United Kingdom (UK) to India would be mandatorily subjected to self-paid RT-PCR tests on arrival at the airport. Those who are found positive shall be isolated in an institutional isolation facility in a separate unit as per the existing laid down protocol,” wrote Delhi Chief Secretary in the order that will be applicable on trial basis for a period of one week.
“Those who are found negative shall be kept in compulsory institutional quarantine for a period of 7 days followed by 7 days of home quarantine. Strict surveillance to be kept on persons who are kept in home quarantine after completion of mandatory institutional quarantine,” the order added.
An official said a decision on extending the enforcement of the new rules will be taken after reviewing the situation.
So far, 13 Delhi residents have been found infected with the mutant variant of COVID-19 that was first detected in the UK.
On Thursday, Kejriwal had urged the Centre to extend the ban on flights between India and the UK till January 31 in view of the “extremely serious” COVID situation in that country.
On Thursday, Kejriwal had said, “With great difficulty, people have brought COVID situation in control. UK’s COVID situation is very serious. Now, why lift ban and expose our people to risk?”