The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Sunday issued a revised advisory with new rules and regulations for passengers coming to Pakistan by international flights.

These revised rules and regulations will be effective from May 11 to May 31. According to the new rules and regulations, now people coming from abroad can also take the option of home quarantine. People who will test negative for coronavirus will not have to necessarily quarantine themselves at a government-run quarantine centre or a hotel.

Those testing negative for coronavirus will be allowed to quarantine themselves at their homes for 14 days. Those testing positive for coronavirus with acute symptoms will be quarantined at a government-run quarantine centre or a hotel. People who will test positive for coronavirus, but will not have acute symptoms may also be allowed to quarantine themselves at home. Also, people testing positive for coronavirus will not be allowed to travel from one province to the other.

The CAA director (air transport) has formally notified the new rules and regulations for the people coming to Pakistan from abroad. The rules and regulations will apply to all people coming to Pakistan by commercial or private flights.

Like before, arrival or departure of every flight has to be approved by the CAA. Every airline must submit a certificate of confirmation that the plane was disinfected before taking off for Pakistan. Every flight must have a stock of personal protection equipment. It will be the responsibility of the commercial or private airline to have health declaration forms filled out by the passengers.

The flight crew has been directed to ensure their personal safety and social distancing among the passengers. The seating arrangements for the passengers will be sent to the CAA in form of pictures before any flight takes off for Pakistan. On arrival of the flight, luggage will be disinfected before handing over to passengers.

It is mandatory for every passenger coming to Pakistan to submit his/her health declaration form to authorities in Pakistan. All passengers coming from abroad or by domestic flight will be scanned through thermal scanners at domestic and international lounges.