COVID Second Wave: Know What’s Mandatory For People Travelling To Bhubaneswar By Air/Train [Watch]

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was seen standing in a queue at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in the Odisha capital. A new system has been put in place at the airport to check the COVID-19 spread amid the second wave.

Passengers have to produce an RT-PCR negative report (within 72 hours) or proof of the full dose of vaccine at the airport and city railway station. “Those travelling without RT-PCR negative report will now have to furnish their details and undergo seven-day mandatory quarantine,” said BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary.

On-the-spot testing will be conducted for people showing symptoms of the flu at the airport, he added.

The civic body has set up separate counters for people coming with RT-PCR negative and vaccination report at the railway station. “After the registration process, the passengers will be given an exit pass. The BMC will keep data of passengers belonging to Bhubaneswar for further tracking and follow-up,” nodal officer (COVID management) of BMC Suvendu Sahu said.

Also Read: COVID Second Wave: Travelling To Odisha, Here Are Paid Quarantine Facilities In Bhubaneswar

The entry and exit routes for the passengers have also been changed. They will enter the station through the Master Canteen bus terminus and exit through the front gate or the left-hand side of the station.

The BMC commissioner confirmed that four COVID-19 cases detected at Utkal University here. “Contract tracing of those affected is being carried out and subsequently those who had come in contact with them will be tested,” he said.

COVID-19 protocols are being strictly enforced in markets and other crowded places. People are being fined for not wearing masks, he added.