Covid test made mandatory for returning Hajj pilgrims

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) issued directives to airports on Friday to ensure 100% rapid antigen testing (RAT) of pilgrims returning from Hajj.

The notification stated that in lieu of the risk of transmission involved in mass gatherings, rising disease prevalence globally, and soaring Covid-19 cases in Pakistan, testing would be performed in international airports of Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Multan and Islamabad.

The return Hajj flights will begin from July 15. The NCOC notification stated that filling credentials on the pass track application had been made mandatory and the travellers would be required to quarantine at home for at least 10 days in the event of a positive test.

The Aviation Division, airport managements, and the Airport Security Force (ASF) had been asked to facilitate the Central Health Establishment (CHE) for a smooth testing of inbound pilgrims and allocate dedicated spaces at airports.

Read Covid vaccination stepped up amid fresh surge in cases

Amid rising cases of Covid within the country, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel appealed to the people to stay indoors during the Eid holidays and observe precautionary measures.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, he said that the positivity ratio of coronavirus cases was over 4% in the country.

He said the government has issued the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which were evolved earlier, to prevent the spread of the virus. He further stated that the SOPs for the government offices had also been issued.