Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for airlines following the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The DGCA said airlines operating connectivity with Uganda and Congo are required to ensure mandatory filing and collection of self-declaration forms before passengers disembark.

Akashvani correspondent reports that DGCA has made it compulsory for airlines to broadcast specific health announcements during flights to help identify possible Ebola cases early and prevent the spread of the disease.

Passengers have been asked to immediately report symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding to airline crew members as well as immigration or medical authorities upon arrival.

The DGCA further stated that if such symptoms develop within 21 days of arrival in India, travelers should seek medical assistance from designated hospitals and inform the airport health office.

For suspected cases onboard an aircraft, the SOP directs that the passenger should be relocated to the rear of the aircraft, and if possible, three rows in front and adjacent seats should be kept vacant. Airlines have also been instructed to maintain adequate stock of triple-layer masks, disposable gloves, PPE kits, hand sanitisers, and bio-hazard disposal bags.