After the discovery of a new strain of the CORONAVIRUS, India suspended all scheduled passenger flights from and to the UK between December 23 and 31. India along with other countries has began this procedure to prevent the virus from spreading in other countries.
Travelers who have already landed in India from UK have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests at the Indian airport. Based on the test results, there will be a institutional quarantine for at least 14 days or monitored home isolation fora week.
Maharasthra took a step further, taking this situation even more seriously by imposing a 11pm to 6am curfew due to the emergence of the new strain. Only emergency services such as transportation, supply of milk , water and groceries will be available. Christmas and New Year celebrations, large gatherings, functions,, shops, theaters, and hotels will have to wind up by 11pm. The public is advised not to step out past 11pm unless there is an emergency.
The state of Karnataka as made COVID tests mandatory for not only those who are coming from the UK but from Denmark and the Netherlands as well. Everyone who has reached India from the UK post December 7 will be tested.
Indian flight companies have advanced their flights by five and 10 hours for flights to return ahead of the shutdown. UK flights are completed banned till the virus recedes and everything is in the clear.
By Meena Atmakuri
