Children below five years are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing for Covid-19 in India, according to the revised guidelines for international arrivals released. However, if found symptomatic for coronavirus infections on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and be treated according to laid down protocol, the guidelines said.

Highlighting that the global trajectory of Covid-19 pandemic continues to decline with certain regional variations, the document stated the need to monitor the continuously changing nature of virus and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern must still remain in focus.

The existing guidelines (issued on February 17 with subsequent addendums) for international arrivals in India have been formulated taking a risk-based approach. In view increasing vaccination coverage across the globe and the changing nature of the pandemic, the existing guidelines for international arrivals in India have been reviewed, the health ministry said.

“Children under 5 years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic for Covid-19 on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing and treated as per laid down protocol,” it said. This standard operating procedure is now valid till further orders, the ministry stated. Also, 15 days must have elapsed since completion of Covid-19 vaccination schedule.