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COVID-test could soon be mandatory at airports for all inbound passengers: FM
Dhaka: To prepare for a possible second wave of the coronavirus in Bangladesh, the government is eyeing to make COVID-tests mandatory for all inbound passengers at the airport.
Even the passengers having COVID-negative certificates might have to undergo the PCR test, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on November 17.
The minister added that the government is going to take strict screening measures in the airports and land ports to curb the spread of a possible second wave.
Regarding banning international flights, he mentioned that the government is yet to decide on it. “We are observing the situation and we will take measures as per the situation,” he added.
Recently, the health ministry has reviewed the quarantine process for inbound passengers. Under the new arrangement, an inbound passenger who will not have COVID-negative certificate, will have to stay at the isolation facilities for two days instead of the present 14 days. If they are to be found COVID-negative then they will be sent home and if the test result is positive, they will be sent to the designated hospitals or isolation centres.
The measure was taken to reduce cost for the government and to minimise stress of the passengers. For keeping a passenger at the isolation centre, the government has to spend BDT 1,000 every day, the health ministry noted.
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