International passengers to provide COVID-19 test results on arrival: CAA
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The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) — in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus — has made it compulsory for all international passengers arriving in the country to provide a copy of the test result for COVID-19.
The number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 237 on Tuesday as Prime Minister Imran urged the nation to prepare for an epidemic.
According to a notification issued by the authority on March 17, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, all passengers will be required to provide a copy of the test results conducted 24 hours prior to boarding the flight. The measure will go into effect from March 21.
“It shall be the responsibility of the airline operators to ensure that no passengers are allowed to board an aircraft without the test results,” the statement read, adding that the requirement will be in addition to the submission of a health declaration form.
“The test results must include the name and passport number of the passenger," the statement said. It added that the original test result shall be required "at the point of disembarkation in Pakistan".
In addition to the following measures, the CAA also directed all airlines to disinfect their planes each time passengers board and disembark the aircraft, according to internationally recognised procedures.
Further, the notification said that international flight operations will resume at all international airports, except those in Gwadar and Turbat, from March 21 after "equipping the airports with the necessary infrastructure and resources to ensure proper screening of international passengers".
On Saturday, the authority had restricted International flight operations to only three airports — Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi — in the country to discourage the spread of the virus.
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On DawnNews
Comments (89) Closed
Mar 18, 2020 10:53am
This is absolutely crazy ! There are not enough COVID-19 testing kits in Australia even for people who are sick with symptoms and Pakistani CAA wants everyone is carry a certificate ? No medical professional or hospital in the world (current day) will do a test without a person showing symptoms or at current stage being in contact with someone who has had COVID-19. Just don't go back to Pakistan if you are outside now.
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Mar 18, 2020 10:53am
First make amends to the PIA. It's in disaster.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:03am
it is impossible for any traveller to bring corona test repprt as no country allows testing without being referred to for being a suspectedcase
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Mar 18, 2020 11:24am
This is senselss at many levels. First, no country is currently conducting Covid tests for people who dont have symptoms. If Pakistan is short on testing capacity, so are others. Second, getting a PCR test 24hrs before boarding is not possible, because at most locations it takes 36-48 hours to just get the results. Who comes up with such brilliant ideas?
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Mar 18, 2020 11:27am
What if the person gets the COVID after getting the tests done? for example at some airport from some other passenger? At the moment airlines are only asking for health declarations.This requirement is not making any sense.There should be tests facilities at the airports.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:31am
Facility should be installed at the airport so that doctors can check each passenger upon arrival. Otherwise impose temporary ban on international flights. This is absolutely impossible for each travellers to show their medical report of COVID 19. Senseless act.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:31am
Considering covid-19 test isn’t exactly an easy one to get, especially by returning hajis or poor labourers from the gulf, its most likely PIA will be running empty! And even with a test report in hand no guarantee the traveler wont pick the virus on the way. Geniuses make decisions in this country!
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Mar 18, 2020 11:35am
An apparent good measure taken by CAA but impossible to implement. Rt-pcr is a DNA test possibly taken as saliva test (i assume). How any passenger is able to get that done when there is no facility at the moment to do that. Doubt its done at airport. Think it takes a few hrs to get results and not sure abt other countries but UK will conduct those tests for severely sick patients only who are hospitalised and are showing covid-19 symptoms already.....
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Mar 18, 2020 11:36am
No country allows a person to be tested unless they are suspected to be infected. Also, only one private hospital is doing this in London and it takes them 5 days to provide the report. This requirement is insane.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:45am
@kamal, exactly what i said
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Mar 18, 2020 11:54am
@kamal, dont travel now.simple.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:57am
@kamal, no, those showing symptoms are being tested in most countries. The resources don't permit everyone to be tested. Asking for something , that is not feasible so airlines don't have to refund customers. Why don't the airline test at airport before boarding.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:58am
Thats a very strange decision by CAA. It implies to foreigners or Pakistan nationals or on every passenger. The health authorities worldwide are busy dealing in suspected cases not everyone. CAA or Pakistan government must use common sense.
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Mar 18, 2020 11:58am
CAA is out of mind and height of wrongful bureaucratic agenda.Whom they want to punish. The arrangements must be medical checking at point if entry and Quarantine as necessitated.
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Mar 18, 2020 12:05pm
height of stupidity.....
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Mar 18, 2020 12:07pm
another ridiculous idea by CAA
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Mar 18, 2020 12:15pm
This is not at all a reasonable or sensible requirement, tests are not done unless you have symptoms and also, they are expensive, for a family it might be unaffordable.
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Mar 18, 2020 12:17pm
Bottomline is CAA is saying it indirectly and in the most stupid way that we will not allow anyone to enter Pakistan.
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Mar 18, 2020 12:23pm
Why is this information not on pia website ?
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Mar 18, 2020 12:36pm
This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. There are not enough Coronavirus testing kits available. Other countries don't allow Coronavirus testing without symtoms. There is no way this can be done.
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Mar 18, 2020 12:40pm
How to verify the genuineness of the medical certificate. It must be attested by the Pakistan's embassy/consulate of the country of issuance.
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Mar 18, 2020 12:42pm
@Abdullah Kayani, your dont travel now suggestion maybe good for someone who has a choice, but what about possibly thousands of poor labourers who may want to be with family or being forced to leave? How do you suppose they get a test which is not only expensive but also pointless as no guarantees anyway?
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Mar 18, 2020 01:14pm
It means that Pakistan has practically banned all incoming passengers even Pakistani nationals.
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Mar 18, 2020 01:25pm
@Gogo, Its from PCAA and not from PIA.
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Mar 18, 2020 01:42pm
Pathetic law, Impossible as test are only done by countries for suspected cases not as per wish of anyone, Use common sense everyone.
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Mar 18, 2020 01:50pm
In the UK private testing for this is around £400, and results for the private test are taking 5 days. So impossible to get results for the last 24 hours. Better to put a blanket ban on travel so people can atleast claim a refund from the airlines for being unable to travel. Senseless decision by some bureaucrat sitting at his desk, who has no practical insight of the situation.
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Mar 18, 2020 02:14pm
@kamal, then he shouldn't come into our Pakistan!
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Mar 18, 2020 02:14pm
In keeping with PTI’s tradition of all show without substance, a measure that has no basis in reality.
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Mar 18, 2020 02:15pm
@SALMAN ZAHEER, only few might in your given senerio. Most would be stopped at the disembarking point.
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Mar 18, 2020 02:18pm
This requirement is utter nonsense and impossible to fulfil. It’s is not possible for passengers to get tested 24 hours before flight. In the UK, they are not even testing people in the hospitals.
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Mar 18, 2020 02:24pm
I really think that this policy is not thought through. There is no test available in UK for residents to get it done at their request. One has to have the symptoms for 14 days and the advise is to self isolate. Then you contact the 111 service and they will let you know what to do.
Also what if some one has a stop over in another country and catches the virus there, or 24 hrs exceeds while in transit??
They really need to come up with something sensible. This policy is no where seen in any part of the world
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Mar 18, 2020 02:37pm
What an absurd idea to kill remaining air traffic
The test takes 5 days for result and test kits are limited and unnecessary testing is waste. They should test themselves any patients and if found positive advise them at local address
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Mar 18, 2020 02:45pm
CAA is completely clueless about the realities on ground. No country in the world provides such testing at demand. Brainless idea!
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Mar 18, 2020 02:58pm
I reside in the UAE and called up Ministry of Health and Dubai Health Authority. Both the institute declined such tests because they don't test people who have no symptoms. Needless to state other hospitals also declined. Called the Consulate and the local PIA, they are aware of the orders but have absolutely no clue as to where to get the test from and who will 'certify' it. This is a unilateral decision aimed at discouraging people to return home.
No other Government is doing it. Just say don't come back.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:06pm
Are they mad? This cannot be done as test only conducted once symptoms appear. Also no country has so many excess kits to test all passengers coming to Pakistan. Another idiotic policy by the Government.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:14pm
I would be travelling to Pakistan on 24th from UAE and i am not sure where to get this test certificate.
I called several hospitals here but they don't have the facility.
I am sure someone in the GOP must have put this stupid idea to put the onus on passenger instead of doing things themselves.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:15pm
Rediculous, senseless, who ll check and waste kit for asymptomatic person, they should check pt on airport arrival as other countries are doing
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Mar 18, 2020 03:17pm
An ill thought out, inept policy designed to give the illusion of action whilst government is floundering.
Totally unworkable and unenforceable.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:31pm
This would be a huge expenditure for the foreign workers of Pakistani descent returning home on leave.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:37pm
This tells the sad state of affairs , whoever adv them should know that this is not possible , no country allows testing just for travelling and forget about PCR 24hrs before flight and with passport numbers etc, this Govt is incompetent to a level that is worse then corruption.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:43pm
Senseless, they should test on arrival as other countries are doing, who ll test asymptomatic person in other countries
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Mar 18, 2020 03:50pm
Yet another red tape and bureaucratic hurdle created by the Civil Aviation Authority or C.A.A., as commonly known, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, without much time given to the helpless and hapless arriving passengers, most of whom are hardworking, patriotic, smart and foreign exchange earning overseas Pakistanis, thus creating tremendous chaos and confusion at all international airports of the "Land of the Pure."
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Mar 18, 2020 03:52pm
the decision could have been SENSIBLE if CAA hiring was MERIT base.
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Mar 18, 2020 03:55pm
Okay, what if returning countries apply the same condition? Can Pakistan do COVID-19 test within 24 hours for returning passengers? whilst there is a shortage of kits. I think these people have lost their minds and this is the most bizarre requirement CAA has come up with.
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Mar 18, 2020 04:17pm
This is an amazingly stupid notification. If someone is in doubt they call 111 here in the UK and based on the conversation, it will be decided whether a test needs to be carried out or not. I can not just walk into a clinic and get myself tested.
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Mar 18, 2020 04:29pm
Does the Air Commodore even understand what he has signed off?! Very disappointed at the level of ignorance.
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Mar 18, 2020 05:06pm
This step again highlights the incompetent and reckless attitude which has become norm in this government. What a disaster??.illiterate, ignorant and careless. Time to disembark from the container, folks!!
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Mar 18, 2020 05:20pm
I can't understand this request, how can someone living in the UK go and ask the health service (which is under huge stress), oh i am going to Pakistan can you test me for COVID-19 and provide me with a certificate.... Do you guys think, we will be in a position where all flights are cancelled to Pakistan in the coming weeks? due do this strict restriction?
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Mar 18, 2020 05:28pm
@Travel, 'Who comes up with such brilliant ideas?'
must be the doctor who attended the SAARC meeting meant for leaders.
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Mar 18, 2020 05:51pm
This is the most stupid of all precautionary measures taken anywhere in the world. The COVID-19 test is only for those who have symptoms (even in Pakistan). Here in Canada, the doctor has to prescribe the test and the test WILL NOT BE PRESCRIBED WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
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Mar 18, 2020 06:27pm
This is unfair decision and need to be reversed as at this time no one can get test on demand. Even going for test in place if you are healrhy is putting yourself in risk. It is better to stop all international air travel to Pakistan. Plz revise it as soon as possible
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Mar 18, 2020 06:30pm
@Travel, cannot agree more!
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Mar 18, 2020 06:36pm
In UK the test cost £375 and that will be undertaken if you have symptoms and a doctor certify this.The best solution for CAA to establish laboratories in every country and arrange tests for intended passengers in absence of no arrangements for tests without symptoms for leaving passengers.
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Mar 18, 2020 07:06pm
CAA please get guidance from health experts before issuing such circulars,. Corona testing is only for symptomatic individuals for suspected cases, it is not done routinely just as a travel requirement.. Better to focus on better screening at the airports not just giving a form to fill, who looks into it, non of the declaration is cross checked, collecting hundreds at a time is just a formality.
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Mar 18, 2020 07:09pm
The woman is holding/wearing mask all wrong. You don't touch the mask front, once used, throw it away. If there is any virus that may have landed on the mask, is still alive for few hours.
So either you put the mask away for few days or just throw it away.
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Mar 18, 2020 07:16pm
In addition to the non-viability of this policy, which will effectively shut down all travel to Pakistan, and given the cost of the test, this policy has a moneyed class-bias.
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Mar 18, 2020 07:19pm
What type of leaders are ruling this country!!! Who can provide CoronaVirus test result? Even in western countries tests are not easily available. Furthermore, while the rest of the world is shutting down its border limiting international flights we are doing just the opposite. Pathetic and thoughtless decisions.
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Mar 18, 2020 08:08pm
Well I wrote this policy has no idea of what is going on and what reality is on the ground. I am a physician living in New York and I cannot even get tested when I have mild symptoms. No one is offered the test unless they are seriously ill.
If somehow they managed to get a test done on a outpatient basis then results will take approximately 3 to 4 days which again make it impossible to comply with your requirements. Whoever wrote this policy has proven that they are utterly a fool and should Be dismissed immediately as they are not qualified to handle the situation
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Mar 18, 2020 08:23pm
@Amer, just don't travel :)
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Mar 18, 2020 08:25pm
Another reflection on current level of governance!
Not a single source is currently available worldwide to provide COVID free certificate in 24 hours commercially.
Expecting miracles for travellers to Pakistan???
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Mar 18, 2020 08:27pm
This rules is valid from Mar 21 to April 4
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Mar 18, 2020 08:37pm
This is effectively a ban disguised under this guise
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Mar 18, 2020 08:57pm
This is insane! How and where we can be tested. UK no test available.
Why cant PAK Govt test on arrival. if any issue then hold them.
DISASTER FOR MANY !!!!
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Mar 18, 2020 09:17pm
Crazy.ideas in crazy gov. Pakistan health system is behind 100 years and dictating high quality tests.for travellers.
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Mar 18, 2020 09:21pm
Reminds ma a painful experience at Karachi airport 15 years ago.
I was asked to step out of long que at immigration on arrival . The person said he is airport medical physician and wants to see my influenza vaccine certificate. He took my passport and then he took me to his office inside airport . I was told either I should show certificate, or I pay a fee or get vaccinated by hm. Totally fearful of my passport taken by that man Or being injected by him , I agreed to pay a fee .After 46 minutes of arguing I paid him the amount he asked . He gave me my passport.
Good luck travelers .
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Mar 18, 2020 09:34pm
China probably is the safest place in the world today!
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Mar 18, 2020 09:51pm
Those in the country, stay home. Recognize that carriers of coronovirus don't have to be symptomatic to transmit it to others
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Mar 18, 2020 09:55pm
@Dr Khan, you are 100% right. Unfortunately, in Pakistan expertise counts for nothing.
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Mar 18, 2020 10:00pm
I am divided. But makes sense. Either that or close borders
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Mar 18, 2020 10:57pm
Hi I am should be travelling to Pakistan from London Heathrow on the 21 march
After speaking to my doctor and local hospital you can not get a cronavirus test done to board a flight
Even if you could get a test no authority in the uk can issue a cronavirus exemption certificate
So there for it is impossible to board this flight
My travel agents have told me pia need to update them so I can get a full refund as no one in the uk can meet the CAA requirements
Please issue all passengers a full refund so we may book again In the future when this virus is brought under control
I lookforward to your swift resolution to this matter
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Mar 18, 2020 11:13pm
It is really insane to go to testing facility if you are healthy may increase the risk of catching it from real sick ppl there. I request anyone here or news reporter should request federal govt to reconsider this decision. If someone healthy coming from safe country should be allowed to come in Pakistan. Anyone travelling at this time must be doing so on essential reasons.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:22am
CAA has no jurisdiction to ban a Pakistani national to board the plane. We are tax payers and citizens of Pakistan not outlawed criminals. How you can not allow me to return to my country? Did China ban it's nationals? Did Italy refused it's citizens? Even in USA no such restrictions. A total senseless and shameful decision. Scrap is asap.
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Mar 19, 2020 12:36am
I have checked on the Foreign Travel Advice in the UK, where it clearly states they DO NOT issue COVID19 certificate. Please see extract from website "There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). International air passengers arriving in Pakistan from 00:01 UTC/05:01 PST on 21 March must present an original test result for coronavirus (COVID-19). UK health institutions do not issue coronavirus (COVID-19) medical certificates. From 00:01 UTC/ 05:01 PST on 21 March the risk of being unable to enter Pakistan will be extremely high". How are we meant to get this medical certificate?
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Mar 19, 2020 12:41am
@Ali, Thanks for the update.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:32am
It is amazing how ignorant this person is who can up with this idea. It is better to just say “don’t come to Pakistan”
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Mar 19, 2020 01:55am
I have family in Pakistan. Old mother. Now I can not enter Pakistan and take care of her because the waiting list for Corona test is very long where I am and there are strict qualification rules. This mean I, her only son, can not meet her. Singapore has a fever test on the airport.
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Mar 19, 2020 01:59am
@Amer, basically the hidden message is - do not travel - I like this approach
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Mar 19, 2020 01:59am
Hi I am from UK and travelling in 10 days. It is ridiculous to ask for the test result with name and passport number on as NHS is not doing any tests until you have confirmed symptoms. because even UK can't check all their patients. It is impossible to get it done. They are refusing people going for test unless they have confirmed symtoms. As an overseas Pakistani I request PM Imran Khan to take this decision back or otherwise no overseas Pakistani would be able to travel to Pakistan with this condition. thanks
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Mar 19, 2020 03:13am
This is crazy and not even helpful for Pakistan's prevention of disease. The UK does not provide corona virus tests for people not showing symptoms or for people who are not at risk even if they have symptoms. It shows the lack of competence and professionalism in Pakistan. It MUST retract this nonsensical policy and test people at arrivals. Focus on practical and useful prevention measures please
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Mar 19, 2020 03:31am
So even if you manage to get tested and have test results at the time of boarding, how does that indicate that you have not been infected during the flight and will now spread the virus in Pakistan after arrival?
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Mar 19, 2020 04:01am
@Waheed, I think it will probably be the start of the end of PIA ...no-one will be in these flights returning to Pak Certainly and as we are hearing ppl are finding it difficult to leave Pakistan too..
No matter what the rule is they have to refund in these circumstances..
Then that miserable staff has a reason to look So miserable ..sorry..an observation ...
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Mar 19, 2020 05:07am
This is not a well thought out policy. The tests are only available to those with actual symptoms. Anyone having these symptoms would not travel. Someone without symptoms would not be able to get the test - let alone within 24 hours of flying. Policies should be well thought out and practical, not absurd.
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Mar 19, 2020 05:19am
A friend of mine from Pakistan is currently here in Australia on visitor visa (came from Pakistan to visit his brother in Australia). Now, he is flying back to Pakistan on 30 March, with total flight time of around 30 hours (due to long transits in Singapore & Dubai). So first of all, he cannot even get himself tested for coronavirus here in Australia as because 1) he is not showing any symptoms, and 2) he will have to pay a doctor ($200) to see him (as he is not Australian resident or citizen, so his doctor's visit will not be free), and if doctor refers him to a testing center, then he'll still have to pay $300, and after getting certificate (which takes another 3-4 days) even then, Pakistani Airport Authorities still may reject his Australian test center certificate, as it'll be over 24 hours by the time he reaches Pakistan.
So, overall, the policy is utterly stupid and senseless, and the Pakistani authorities need to quickly react and change this policy to make it practical.
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Mar 19, 2020 05:28am
Dear CAA, I am sure you are aware that no country is going to do COVID-19 tests just so that people can obtain a certificate and travel to Pakistan. This is not a TB test, it is COVID-19. So, please be realistic in your expectations. Reality demands that pragmatic measure be taken for people traveling to Pakistan. Make sure ALL airports in Pakistan have proper screening facilities so that passengers arriving in Pakistan can be isolated immediately if they show any signs of COVID-19. Also, keep data of passengers if in case they need to be traced. It is as simple as this. Please do not make things unrealistic. And also, think at least 10 times before your CAA body makes any decisions. Thank you!
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Mar 19, 2020 07:22am
@Ali, Pay some money and you will be through.
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Mar 19, 2020 09:17am
Not a single person would be able to produce this certificate. If effectively means ban on entry to Pakistan including Pakistani citizens, which in itself is unconstitutional.
This just shows the foolish thinking of decision makers in the bureaucracy and government. No wonder Pakistan is a mess because such genius minds are making decisions.
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Mar 19, 2020 10:20am
Asking for COVID test report is unjustified. Our ountrymen are our responsibility. Government should provide measures to check & not letting people to move on without test & needed quarantine. No country has asked their countrymen to get it done.
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Mar 19, 2020 02:36pm
There was discussion from aviation minister last night to review this, I guess who advises them to make sure ill thought decisions. How on earth you can get tested and get result in last 24 hours? Even if you pay for test they don't give you result within 7 days.
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Mar 19, 2020 02:47pm
As highlighted by others the UK Government has clearly stated it will not provide any such testing or certificate. Forget the passengers, how are the crew and pilots going to fulfil these requirements when flying from the UK! They can not, it is not possible so are PIA going to announce cancellations and if not why not?
This debacle makes Pakistan look like a second rate country in the eyes of many.....
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