Outgoing passengers to be screened for Covid-19 too

Govt refutes reports about large number of Pakistani passengers testing positive for virus in other countries

ISLAMABAD: The government announced on Thursday that passengers flying out of Pakistan would be screened for Covid-19 symptoms similar to the procedure followed for incoming ones after Emirates, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai suspended their flights from the country when 26 Pakistanis travelling on a flight to Hong Kong tested positive for the disease.

However, it also dispelled the impression that a large number of Pakistani passengers were testing positive for the virus in other countries.

The screening of passengers travelling abroad will start from June 27, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf said at a news conference in Islamabad.

“They [outbound passengers] won’t be tested for coronavirus, but their temperature and symptoms will be checked,” he explained.

“If case of any suspicion, they will be asked questions. If someone is suspected to be suffering from corona, they will not be allowed to travel," he added.

The SAPM asked passengers -- especially ones had already booked their tickets -- to reach the airport only if they were “completely fit". “Those who have symptoms or have been in contact with a Covid-19 patient should not come to the airport,” he added.

He also requested them to read the policy of the country they intending to travel to and ensure they fulfilled all conditions.

The PM’s aide pointed out that many countries had made it mandatory for passengers to quarantine themselves for 14 days while some had even made a pre-arrival Covid-19 test compulsory.

“Please follow the policies of the countries you are travelling to. If you test positive in another country, it will be a diplomatic issue for Pakistan.”

Yusuf also refuted reports that most Pakistanis who were travelling abroad were testing positive for Covid-19 in other countries. "Not everyone who has travelled abroad from Pakistan has tested positive,” he added.

“There are reports that a major percentage of passengers flying out of Pakistan are testing positive for the virus. That is not the case.”

On the passengers who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Hong Kong, the PM’s aide said the government was aware of the issue and looking into the matter as a responsible state. “The government will address these concerns,” he added.

The SAPM further said all airlines had been allowed to enter Pakistan and 270 flights were expected to land in the country from June 26 to 30.

He added that all Pakistani labourers stranded abroad because of the pandemic, especially those in Gulf countries, would likely to back home in the next few weeks.

On Wednesday, Emirates said the temporary suspension was effective from June 24. "We are coordinating closely with various authorities and will review and implement any required additional measures to satisfy all parties before we resume services from Pakistan," a spokeswoman for Emirates told Reuters. However, the airline will continue to operate flights to Pakistan, she added.

According to Emirates, 26 passengers travelling on a flight to Hong Kong have tested positive for Covid-19.

These passengers were from Pakistan and had transited through the Dubai airport before boarding another flight for Hong Kong.
Similarly, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai also announced that they were suspending flights from Pakistan.