Coronavirus scare: DGCA exempts flight crew from Breath Analyzer tests at select airports

On Monday, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) anunced that it has exempted flight crews from Breath Analyzer (BA) tests for 15 days at Kerala's Calicut, Kannur, Trivandrum and Cochin airports amidst contagious coronavirus outbreak. Breath Analyser tests are mandatory tests for all flight crews to check for presence of alcohol in system. Apart from  pilots and cabin crew, even  airside staff, ground equipment operators, ground handling personnel and flight dispatchers are subjected to test.

Re: Health Ministry gives update on coronavirus, 9452 persons under community surveillance

However, given global outbreak of vel Coronavirus which has claimed over 900 lives, DGCA has decided that it would exempt crew from Breath Analyzer tests since disease is highly contagious and could spre through oral transmissions such as sneezing or coughing. 

Re: WHO warns overseas coronavirus spre may be 'tip of iceberg'

DGCA raises precaution

Amid scare of vel Coronavirus, Ministry of Health on Sunday h taken to Twitter and issued an update on status of virus in India. According to Ministry, a total of 9452 persons are currently under community surveillance in India.  screening of passengers is w on at all 21 airports, International Seaports and border crossings. 1818 flights and 1,97,192 passengers have been screened so far. Several countries have banned arrivals from China while major airlines have suspended flights to country.

Re: Coronavirus: DGCA restricts entry of foreigners in India who visited China post Jan 14

Previously DGCA h anunced that foreigners who visited China on after January 15, will t be allowed to enter India. A tice conveying news was issued by  Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Saturday, which re, "foreigners who have been to China on or after January 15, 2020, are t allowed to enter India from any air, land or seaport including India-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Banglesh or Indo-Myanmar land borders."

(With ncy Inputs) 

Re: China warns against 'excessive' use of protective suits amid coronavirus outbreak