On the same day that Maharashtra saw the largest single-day increase in coronavirus incidents, the state required a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report for train passengers traveling between Delhi-NCR and five states.
According to sources, Maharashtra announced Delhi-NCR, Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand as places of ‘sensitive origin’ on Sunday (April 18, 2021) in order to stop the spread of coronavirus. According to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte’s order, Passengers traveling to Maharashtra from the six locations mentioned above must have a negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours of their departure.
In the last 24 hours, Maharashtra, the worst-affected Indian state by COVID-19, reported 68,631 new infections, the highest number since the pandemic began.
The unexpected and unforeseen rise in COVID-19 is the reason why the state government, headed by Uddhav Thackeray, has decided to implement a new SOP for long-distance train travel from sensitive origin’ states.
Passengers who do not have an RT-PCR negative report will be subjected to a rapid antigen test at the station, according to the statement.
“All passengers will be subjected to mandatory screening, with only asymptomatic passengers being permitted to board trains bound for Maharashtra. During boarding/deboarding and flight, social distance should be maintained “Read the order carefully.
It also said that no unreserved Maharashtra tickets should be issued on trains running between these six states.
The state government also requested that the ministry of railways install thermal scanners at all station exits and strictly implement COVID proper train conduct.
“From the date of this order until it is retracted or COVID-19 remains notified as a tragedy, these areas will be called places of critical origin,” it said.
Meanwhile, 68,631 new COVID-19 infections brought Maharashtra’s total number of active cases to 6,70,388, with 87,698 active cases in Mumbai.
As of Sunday evening, there had been 31,06,828 recoveries and 60,473 fatalities in the province.
