RT-PCR negative test report mandatory for railway passengers coming to Bengal from other states

Kolkata: West Bengal government has made it mandatory for all long-distance train passengers coming to the state from other States and Union Territories to carry RT-PCR Negative Test Report not older than 72 hours prior to boarding of the train.

The State Government has issued the following directives as Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the arrival of passengers by long-distance trains to West Bengal.

In view of the surge of COVID-19 cases, it is now compulsory for passengers coming from other States & Union Territories to carry RT-PCR negative certificates not older than 72 hours prior to departure of the train, a Railway official on Thursday said.

All passengers who travelled from other States and Union Territories with RT-PCR negative certificates not older than 72 hours prior to departure will have to self-monitor their health for the next seven days at home. During this period, if the individual develops fever, cough, breathlessness, they shall visit the nearest health facility or get in touch with the state COVID Helpline number.

Passengers found symptomatic during the health screening will be taken for testing. If they are positive, they will be taken to a COVID Care Centre for Management as per the extant protocol of the State Health Department.

Eastern Railway (ER) authority has requested all the passengers to wear masks properly throughout the journey and at the railway stations. ER authority has also instructed the commuters to observe proper social distancing norms in the railway premises. (UNI)