Government re-enacts Covid time protocol for flyers from Ebola hotspots to prevent spread in India

NEW DELHI: Airlines flying in people to India who have been to Ebola hotzones in Africa including Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda will now have to ensure such passengers file self declaration forms (SDF) before arrival here. 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 such passengers who might be showing symptoms of being affected to the rear end of aircraft “to minimise exposure to other passengers.” 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 who are coming from the affected countries and having suspected/symptomatic cases in board will have to alert air traffic control so that the planes is taken to a separate bay. Asymptomatic passengers will alight first and then suspected cases at last who will be handed over to health teams.

will now have to make this announcement: “In view of the current threat of Ebola disease in certain countries, any traveller who has fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, bleeding, should report immediately to the airlines crew and at the immigration/medical unit on arrival. This is important for early diagnosis for prompt management and preventing spread.”

“All travellers (passengers and crew), irrespective of nationality, will be required to fill a SDF and hand it over at the immigration/designated counter. In case any of these symptoms develop within 21 days of arrival in India, the traveller should seek medical assistance from the designated hospitals and also inform the airport health office,” the announcement has to say.

The inflight protocol for suspected cases 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 immediately after landing.”

Meanwhile, Union health minister J P Nadda reviewed preparedness measures for ebola. “India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease till date,” Nadda said. He has directed his officials, Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control to keep all necessary arrangements for tracking, testing, and surveillance in a constant state of readiness.