In a shocking news, 5 pilots of Air India who operated one of the cargo flights to China’s Guangzhou have tested postitive for the novel coronavirus during the pre-flight virus test which is carried out 72 hours before they are rostered for flight duties. All of them are asymptomatic and based in Mumbai. They had undertaken cargo flights to China, Air India sources said, media reported.
Earlier the national carrier had operated a number of flights to Guangzhou from Delhi on April 18 to pick medical supplies. Air India had also operated medical cargo flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The government guideline says, the Air India crew, who operate the repatriation flights, have to undergo a swab test for the novel coronavirus before and after they operate a flight. Only they are allowed to go to their homes if they test negative for the infection.
Though, another test is done, five days after they return from their duties. If the crew test find negative from the virus and doesn’t suffer from any of the symptoms, only then they are allowed to resume their duties.
