The activities of Covid-19 test have been started at RT-PCR lab of Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport to identify the deadly virus for departing foreign-bound passengers.
Passengers were asked to arrive at the airport six hours before their departure but Covid-19 test results were announced within three hours after collecting samples, local media reported citing sources.
Divisional Health Director Dr. Hasan Shahriar Kabir confirmed that the process of coronavirus test started at the lab this noon as it was officially inaugurated on Sunday (Jan 2).
He said PCR test has been introduced for the passengers, who are traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the airport after a long wait.
According to the flight schedule, the corona tests will be conducted from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
With the opening of the RT-PCR lab, people can now go to the UAE from Chattogram airport, too. The UAE made it mandatory for returning migrant workers to get a rapid PCR test six-hour before flying from any airport of the country.
Dr Kabir said those who are scheduled to go to the UAE can undergo Covid-19 test at the airport and they have to reach the airport six hours before their departure to provide their samples. Besides, they have to come with their passports, tickets, Covid-19 vaccine certificates and the photocopies of their visas.
He mentioned that there is no need to pay any fee for foreign passengers (BMET smart card holders) going to the UAE for testing Covid-19 at the lab. However, ordinary passengers traveling to the UAE will have to pay a fee of Tk 1,600.
Airport manager Wing Commander Farhad Hossain Khan confirmed the matter to state media on Monday noon.
