The sample collection process is quick and easy with the results being declared within 4-6 hours of test. Until then, the passengers will be isolated at the waiting lounge or may opt to stay in a hotel. In case of a positive result, the passenger will be processed in line with applicable ICMR protocols by the State authorities. This will help the authorities concerned to avoid passengers affected with the disease from coming in close contact with those already having RT-PCR negative report.
As many of the passengers were finding it tough to produce negative RT-PCR test report for which the test was conducted within 96 hours before undertaking the journey, they were not able to avail any of the quarantine exemption facilities provided in our country. To ease out the situation, Government of India in its recent guidelines has permitted all arriving international passengers to have an option of getting RT-PCR/ TrueNat/ CBNAAT (including GeneXpert) testing done at the entry airport. And if the test results into a negative report, the passenger will be allowed to take connecting flight to other domestic destinations in India without
needing to be quarantined at the city of entry airport. Other international arriving
passengers tested negative and exiting from the city of entry airport would be
exempted from the institutional quarantine, permitting them to proceed for home
quarantine, as per the guidelines of State Government concerned.