CAA issues guidelines for airlines to prevent monkeypox spread among passengers

All airlines to provide face masks to passengers arriving in Pakistan; Sanitisation for airline and ground handling staff at airports; Baggage disinfection and isolation protocols set for virus-hit passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued new guidelines to all airlines operating flights to Pakistan from abroad to prevent the spread of the Monkeypox virus in the country on Sunday.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, under the new directives issued by the CAA, all national and international airlines are required to provide face masks to passengers.

The CAA has advised that all staff members of airlines and ground handling companies must wear face masks when international flights arrive at Pakistani airports.

Additionally, the authority emphasized the importance of sanitising hands with hand sanitiser at airports and ensuring that the luggage of incoming passengers from international flights is disinfected.

Furthermore, the CAA stated that passengers exhibiting symptoms of Monkeypox will be isolated in accordance with the instructions from Border Health Services.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has already issued directives to step up efforts to stem the spread of the monkeypox virus. Addressing a meeting on measures to fend off mpox at PM House yesterday, he said the World Health Organization declared monkeypox as a public health emergency, after which there is a need for strict monitoring of this disease in Pakistan.

The PM directed an effective monkeypox screening system at the country's airports, seaports and borders. He also directed the Prime Minister's Border Health Services to monitor the situation and conduct strict surveillance.

The prime minister directed the National Command and Operations Centre to closely monitor the situation and conduct an early review. He asked the authorities concerned to ensure the supply of all necessary equipment and kits for monkeypox testing.

He also directed a close coordination between the centre, provinces and AJK to stem monkeypox. He passed instructions to start an effective and comprehensive awareness campaign and said he would hold a weekly briefing about the matter.

The meeting was informed that the monkeypox virus was confirmed in a resident of Mardan. The victim was residing abroad for employment and recently came to Pakistan. The affected person has been kept in quarantine and his condition is out of danger.

The meeting was informed that the NCOC issued instructions to cope with challenges after the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency on August 14.

The meeting was told that the federal and provincial governments are starting an awareness campaign and the Civil Aviation Authority will monitor flights from abroad. It was informed that the provincial governments, ICT Admin and AJK authorities have allocated isolation wards and beds in major hospitals.

Reporter: Shoaib Mukhtar