No Immediate Plans to Mandate RT-PCR Testing for COVID at Airports: Health Ministry

Amid a rise in COVID-19 infections in India, health officials stated that there are currently no plans to make RT-PCR testing mandatory for travelers at airports in the country. The Health Ministry sources clarified that, at present, there is no intention to impose mandatory RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 at airports.

India had revised guidelines in July, eliminating the requirement for RT-PCR testing for a random 2% of travelers entering the country. Officials emphasized that there is no increase in hospitalization rates related to the recently reported JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19. Hospitalized cases are primarily attributed to other medical conditions, with COVID-19 being an incidental finding.

In the last two weeks, India has reported a total of 23 deaths, while the number of active COVID-19 cases increased to 2,669. The statement comes as the country navigates through the challenges posed by the evolving situation with the virus.