RT-PCR Test A Must For Arrivals From 7 More Nations Amid New Strain Fear

A negative RT-PCR result not older than 72 hours has been made mandatory for travellers from seven more countries, including, China and South Africa. The move comes after the discovery of a new Covid variant – C.1.2 – which could be more infectious and has shown signs of evading protection provided by vaccines.

While earlier this rule was only applicable for arrivals from the UK, Europe and Middle East, seven more countries – South Africa, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe – have been added to the list today, according to a latest guideline by Ministry of Health.

The new variant was first detected in South Africa in May. It has since been found in China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mauritius, England, New Zealand, Portugal and Switzerland.