Covid-like protocol imposed on flights from Ebola hotspots

NEW DELHI: Airlines flying in people to India who have been to Ebola hot zones in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, will now have to ensure such passengers file self-declaration forms (SDF) before arrival. Thermal screening will be done on passengers coming from the hotspots.

In a move reminiscent of Covid times, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a protocol to prevent the potential transmission of Ebola for airlines, who will now have to shift symptomatic passengers to the rear end of aircraft.

Three rows in front and behind that with a suspected case will have to be kept vacant "as far as possible".

Airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa, Emirates and Qatar Airways, flying in passengers from the affected countries and having suspected/symptomatic cases on board will have to alert air traffic control so that the plane is taken to a separate bay.

Suspected cases will be handed over to health teams. In-flight protocol requires airlines to "designate a single cabin crew member to exclusively care for the symptomatic passenger.... Designate a separate washroom exclusively for the use of the suspect case. Provide the sick passenger with a mask and personal protective equipment... Ensure complete disinfection of the aircraft..."

Meanwhile, health minister J P Nadda reviewed preparedness measures. He asked officials of the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control to keep all arrangements for tracking, testing, and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.