DGCA moves to check entry & spread of Ebola virus

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday directed all airlines to follow precautionary guidelines to help isolate travellers who may have been affected by the Ebola virus.

The civil aviation regulator of the country has directed all airlines operating on international routes to take a series of precautionary measures with immediate effect to prevent the entry and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in India.

Airlines have been asked to keep first aid and universal precaution kits, including masks, sanitisers and disposable gloves and bags. They will also have to make in-flight announcements for self-reporting by travellers who have any signs or symptoms of EVD, ask passengers to fill special health forms for information regarding visits to any affected country in the past 21 days.

The airlines have been directed to keep a record of all passengers returning to India after staying or visiting West African countries and inform the details to health officials at the airports concerned. The details of passengers boarding from affected countries should be sent in advance to the station of arrival in India by all Indian and foreign airlines.

The EVD epidemic has affected four countries in West Africa - Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.