Resumption of flights can worsen situation: JMM

Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the major ruling alliance partner in the state, on Sunday objected to the Union government’s decision to resume domestic flight services from Monday onwards stating that it can lead to worsening of the Covid-19 situation.
In a statement issued to the media, JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya suggested that the Centre considers resuming operations of domestic airliners and trains after June 1, when the lockdown is scheduled to end.
Bhattacharya said, “JMM is opposed to resumption of operations of domestic airlines from Monday and special trains from June 1. The possibility of their resumption should have been evaluated first after the end of the ongoing Lockdown 4.0. With 2,600 Shramik Special trains slated to ferry 36 lakh migrants across the nation, the state governments need time to prepare. If the Centre resumes operations of flights and trains without the consent of the states, there will be chaos. Therefore, the services must be resumed after Lockdown 4.0 or after every migrant reaches their respective destinations.”
Jharkhand is witnessing a surge in numbers of positive cases after the migrants began returning in special trains and buses arranged by the state government and in their own transport. Close to 2.5 lakh migrants have returned since May 1.
On Sunday, the Union ministry of health and family welfare issued a set of guidelines on domestic travel by trains, air and inter-state travel for operators and passengers. The ministry made it mandatory to wear masks at the time of boarding and travel. “States need to ensure that all passengers are put through thermal screening tests,” the guidelines read.
The guidelines further said, “Asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to go with the advice that they must monitor their health for 14 days and report to district or state nodal officer, if they develop symptoms. Persons with mild symptoms will be given the option of home isolation or being in isolation at a Covid Care Centre (both public & private facilities). If tested negative, they will be allowed to go home and isolate themselves for seven days.”