Coronavirus: Universal screening at all international airports

NEW DELHI: Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P.K. Mishra on Wednesday chaired a crucial meeting called to discuss ways to combat the deadly coronavirus, where it was decided to introduce universal screening at all international airports of the country.

Wednesday’s meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Secretaries of Ministries of Health, Civil Aviation, Information and Broadcasting, Shipping, Tourism, Chairman (Airport Authority of India), Secretary (Border Management), MHA.

Senior officials from defense forces, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Niti Ayog and the Prime Minister’s Office also attended the meeting.

Two major changes have been made to further enhance the government’s level of preparedness. These include the introduction of universal screening at all international airports and sea-ports through the use of thermal imagery equipment as well as the mandatory filing of declaration forms of places visited by tourists and travelers returning from abroad.

It was also decided to rapidly implement the opening of proper testing, isolation and quarantine facilities in various parts of the country, down to the district level, in partnership with state governments.

Ministries such as MHA, MoD, Railways, and Labour would work with the Ministry of Health through the use of their facilities and hospitals, it was decided in the meeting.

While efforts to contain the spread of the virus were appreciated, it was decided at the meeting to further enhance the effectiveness of the steps taken by adopting a pan-government approach, in partnership with the states. The Ministry of Home Affairs was tasked to work closely with state governments, including relevant district administration officials, to ensure compliance with screening protocols at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).

The meeting took note of confusion among the people over the lack of proper knowledge of the virus. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is entrusted with disseminating information to the general public in a timely manner, including relevant advisories and ‘dos and don’ts’.

“The Ministry of Health briefed the meeting on the positive impact of a 24-hour medical helpline, operational across the country since January 23 with ten dedicated telephone lines. These facilities have received over 6,000 phone calls,” said a government release. (IANS)

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