CAA makes antigen test of people coming from Europe mandatory

In view of the surge in the cases of omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), on the instructions of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) has made Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) of the passengers arriving in Pakistan from the European countries mandatory, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

However, there is a relaxation in the rule in the case of flights arriving from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the passengers of only 50 percent of flights from these countries will have to undergo the test.   

At the same time, the CAA has also made it obligatory for those due to travel to Pakistan to undergo PCR tests 48 hours before boarding a flight. 

Similarly, coronavirus test has also been made mandatory for passengers aged 15 or above. 

And in case any passenger tests positive for the virus on arrival at the airport, he or she will have to spend 10 days in quarantine at a place designated by the government for the purpose.

However, if the passenger prefers to quarantine at a hotel or any other private place, he or she will have to bear its expenses himself or herself.     

The new rule will be applicable from tomorrow (Wednesday, January 5).  

Reporter Samar Abbas