CHENNAI: All the 356 passengers who arrived from Dubai by the first two rescue flights were sent to quarantine centres after their throat and nasal swabs were taken at Chennai airport on Saturday. The first flight IX 612 had 179 passengers and the second 177.
Around eight passengers who booked tickets on the flights did not travel and the seats were filled with people who were on the waitlist.
The health team outside the terminal took their nasal swabs and then put quarantine stamp on their hands to ensure that they do not violate the 14-day isolation. The government had offered three choices for the people – stay at government facility, paid accommodation in medium level hotels and at star hotels.
Joshua, a passenger, from Coimbatore, who reached by the second flight past 2am said, “All passengers were told to reach five hours before departure. There was a rapid test for Covid-19. Those who cleared it were only allowed to check in baggage. The flight was smooth. Food and water were kept in the seatback pouch. The crew made an announcement that only water will be served during the flight.”
The passengers were checked using thermal scanners before being allowed for immigration. They handed over health declaration forms at the immigration and then proceeded to pick up their baggage.
“There were around 15 counters for quarantine registration. Of the three options, I selected medium class hotel which costs Rs 1,500per day. They brought me to a hotel in Egmore in a new MTC bus at 4am. All of us were given breakfast boxes at the airport.”
An airport official said that those who opted for free government arranged quarantine were moved to VIT campus in the southern suburb of the city.
Around eight passengers who booked tickets on the flights did not travel and the seats were filled with people who were on the waitlist.
The health team outside the terminal took their nasal swabs and then put quarantine stamp on their hands to ensure that they do not violate the 14-day isolation. The government had offered three choices for the people – stay at government facility, paid accommodation in medium level hotels and at star hotels.
Joshua, a passenger, from Coimbatore, who reached by the second flight past 2am said, “All passengers were told to reach five hours before departure. There was a rapid test for Covid-19. Those who cleared it were only allowed to check in baggage. The flight was smooth. Food and water were kept in the seatback pouch. The crew made an announcement that only water will be served during the flight.”
The passengers were checked using thermal scanners before being allowed for immigration. They handed over health declaration forms at the immigration and then proceeded to pick up their baggage.
“There were around 15 counters for quarantine registration. Of the three options, I selected medium class hotel which costs Rs 1,500per day. They brought me to a hotel in Egmore in a new MTC bus at 4am. All of us were given breakfast boxes at the airport.”
An airport official said that those who opted for free government arranged quarantine were moved to VIT campus in the southern suburb of the city.
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