No RT-PCR to enter Maharashtra if person fully vaccinated

MUMBAI: The state government has exempted all fully vaccinated domestic and international passengers from the requirement of a negative RT-PCR report for entry to the state if they have completed 15 days since the second dose of the vaccine.
The order was issued by chief secretary Sitaram Kunte on Thursday and said fully vaccinated passengers seeking an exemption must have their final vaccination certificate issued through the Co-Win portal.
Directives so far said any passenger arriving in the state by any mode of transport was required to carry a negative RT-PCR test conducted 48 hours prior to commencement of journey. Through the latest order, the state government extended the validity of an RT-PCR test for all other persons to 72 hours before commencement of journey.
The order mentions that all passengers must follow Covid-appropriate behaviour like wearing a mask.
Officials said that with the states opening up for business and tourism, it was not practical to stick to the requirement for an RT-PCR report for fully vaccinated people.
“This will also indirectly act as a sop to encourage more people to get fully vaccinated,” said an official.
Municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had written to the state two days ago seeking an exemption from an RT-PCR report for fully vaccinated domestic passengers.