Health dept begins Covid testing at airports, but only for symptomatic G20 delegates

Panaji: With Covid-19 cases increasing, the directorate of health services has decided to start antigen testing at both airports in the state, although this will not be mandatory. Testing booths are being set up at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and the Manohar International Airport, Mopa, as part of the precautionary steps for the coming G20 delegations.
Only those delegates who show symptoms will be tested, as authorities have adopted a ‘no symptoms, no testing’ policy. Eight dedicated ambulances will be stationed at various points for G20 delegates, and will also be part of the entourage during excursions and dinners.
Antigen testing facilities are also being set up at the resort at Bambolim where the second working group meeting on health will be held on Monday and Tuesday. “Both these antigen testing centres will start right from the day of arrival. Round-the-clock teams will be posted at the airport and at the hotel,” said protocol secretary and G20 nodal officer, Sanjit Rodrigues.
“If there is a positive case, then the whole drill will start,” he said.
DHS will deploy emergency response teams and specialised ambulances to address any health emergencies.
“An ambulance along with a team of doctors, nurses, and paramedics will be on site at any given time to handle any eventuality,” said nodal officer for Ayushman Bharat and health, Dr Kedar Raikar.
“Anybody can get tested if they are showing symptoms,” said Raikar.
Most international delegates are arriving via Dabolim, since direct international flights have yet to commence from Mopa. “Certain countries want antigen testing on arrival and exit. So, these facilities would be available at arrival and departure if their country needs it,” said Rodrigues.
Authorities are also talking to Goa police to create a dedicated green corridor, if necessary, to shift delegates to GMC if they fall seriously ill.