The latest in COVID-19 travel upgrades comes from Mumbai&rsquos Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIMA) which has introduced the first express COVID-19 testing facility in the country.
The facility provides test results in just 13 minutes and can be availed by all international and domestic travellers for INR 4,500.
Compared to regular RT-PCR tests that take 6-8 hours to provide results, the new express test designed by Abbott Laboratories is aimed at providing instant results and guarantee passengers a smooth check-in and check-out.
Approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the airport authorities have introduced &lsquoAbbott ID Now&rsquo for passengers who would like to take the 13-minute test on their departure, arrival, or between their connecting flights in Mumbai.
The facility is available for 24 hours at Terminal 2 on Level 2 exit Gate B. Passengers who wish to take the regular RT-PCR test can continue to avail it for INR 850 at Level 10 Departures Area, provided they have a valid ID proof with them. The test takes around a day or two for arriving passengers and 8 hours for departure passengers, with results sent directly via mail.
According to the Mumbai airport guidelines, travellers tested negative will be allowed to continue their journey, whereas those tested positive will be sent to 14-day institutional quarantine in Mumbai.