Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday announced that the pre-flight COVID-19 test would be mandatory for all those returning to the state from abroad, whether they were taking flights under the Vanda Bharat Mission or chartered flights organized by various organizations.

In his statement, Vijayan told the media, 'Since the beginning of the Vande Bharat Mission, we have been requesting the central government that the diaspora come back to Kerala only after the COVID-19 test. The state insisted for all tests. Also included for those who are flying back by chartered flights. People who fly by Spice Jet are already doing so. Also, he said that if it is difficult for passengers to carry out PCR test, then let them do antibody test. TruNet test is cheap and gives fast results which is suitable for passengers. The Government of India should arrange for testing through embassies in countries where there are no facilities for testing. Airline companies can also work with the health department to facilitate testing.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister further said that it is unfortunate that a misinformation campaign is being conducted and a Union Minister is part of it. Do not try to play politics by using public health during a disaster. Some efforts are being made to weaken our security when people are coming from other states. At the same, Vijayan said that the government should be vigilant to prevent the outbreak. 'The center should explore the possibility of arranging separate flights for the infected people. Currently, 1.5 percent of those who come here from abroad are COVID-19 positive. He said that when the number of passengers increases more than 2,00,000, the number of positive cases is likely to increase drastically and this can lead to community dissemination.

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