NUZHAT NAZAR

ISLAMABAD: Qatar Airways on Friday announced coronavirus test mandatory for passengers to undergo before boarding their flights.

According to a notification, the Qatari airline said the new requirement would come into effect starting July 13, 2020.

“To ensure your safety when flying with us from Pakistan, starting 13 July 2020, there will be a new medical requirement to undertake a COVID-19 PCR test before travel,” the airline said. “You will need to present a negative result of the test issued within less than 72 hours prior to your flight departure. Children below the age of 12 years are exempted from this test if accompanied by family members,” it added.

According to Qatar Airways, the coronavirus test requirement was introduced “to ensure your journey is hassle-free”. It also provided a list of authorised laboratories for its passengers to visit and have their “medical test [done] at your own expense”. These include Excel Laboratories, Agha Khan Laboratories, IDC Laboratories, and Essa Labs.