PCAA issues new health policy for passengers travelling April 18-30

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) on Sunday announced a new health policy for passengers travelling April 18-30, amid the worsening coronavirus crisis in the country.

According to the PCAA, all standard operating procedures (SOPs) mentioned in the health forms are to be strictly implemented.

All passengers travelling by air are obligated to submit their health forms, which include information on flu, cold, cough, and sore throat. The form also states that passengers should enter quarantine if the relevant health officer deemed it necessary.

Passengers are also bound to oblige if the quarantine period is extended and pay for food that officials advised. They are liable to penalties for providing wrong or false information.

The government, on the other hand, is required to provide accommodation according to the passengers' preferences.

Last week, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Moeed Yusuf said that beginning April 20, the government will be able to bring back 6,000-7,000 passengers every week with operations running across six airports. "And this will gradually be expanded to accommodate more passengers," said Yusuf.

He said that according to information received by the government, there are around 35,000 Pakistanis looking to return to the country. "We will bring them back as soon as we can."

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far infected more than 8,200 people across Pakistan and left over 160 dead.