ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced that outgoing passengers would also be screened for the coronavirus symptoms similar to the procedure followed for incoming ones.
The development came after Emirates, Etihad Airways and Fly Dubai temporarily suspended their outgoing flights in response to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference today (Thursday), Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Dr. Moeed Yusuf said that the screening of passengers traveling abroad will start from June 27.
The Special Assistant said that the outbound passengers would not be tested for the coronavirus, however, their temperature and symptoms will be checked. “If someone is suspected to be suffering from the COVOD-19, they will not be allowed to travel,” he added.
He also urged the people who have symptoms or have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient should not come to the airport. He also requested them to read the policy of the country to ensure that they fulfilled all the conditions.
“Many countries had made it mandatory for passengers to quarantine themselves for 14 days, while some had made a pre-arrival COVID-19 test compulsory,” he added.
He rejected the reports claiming that most Pakistanis who traveled abroad were tested positive for the deadly virus. In this regard, he said, “Not everyone who has traveled abroad from Pakistan has tested positive.”
Referring to international flights, he informed that all airlines had been allowed to enter Pakistan and 270 flights were expected to land in the country from June 26 to 30.
Earlier on Wednesday, Emirates had announced a temporary suspension of passenger service from Pakistan till July 3 after about 26 Pakistanis who arrived in Hong Kong tested positive for COVID-19.
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