Airports' Coronavirus Testing: Methods And Safety Protocols

Airports have implemented a range of measures to test for coronavirus, including nasal swab testing, rapid antigen tests, and PCR tests. Thermal screening is also being used at some airports, and testing facilities are being set up at airports to provide rapid-result testing for both passengers and employees. Some hotels are also offering COVID-19 testing to encourage travellers to stay with them.

Thermal screening

Thermal sensors have been installed at 21 airports across India, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi.

However, thermal screening has long been controversial and is not always effective at detecting early signs of infection. Jeanine Pommier of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says that scientific evidence does not support entry screening as an efficient measure for detecting incoming travellers with infectious diseases. This is especially true for coronavirus, as the symptoms of the disease are so common and the outbreak coincided with peak flu season in Europe and China.

Nasal swab testing

While nasal swab testing can be an effective tool in the fight against COVID-19, it is important to follow other preventative measures as well, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Additionally, testing is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to safer travel, which also includes measures such as thermal screening and genomic surveillance programs.

Rapid antigen tests

Airports are offering COVID-19 testing options to help keep air travel safe. These tests are often rapid antigen tests, which can show an active COVID-19 infection by detecting specific proteins on the surface of the coronavirus.

Some airports, such as San Francisco International Airport, have set up testing facilities to offer rapid antigen tests to passengers and employees. These tests are often available to travellers who are concerned about their risk of infection or who need to provide a negative test result to enter their destination country. For example, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts offer free COVID-19 antigen testing to guests who book a stay of at least 3 nights.

PCR tests

Airports have been using a variety of methods to test for coronavirus, including nasal swab testing, rapid antigen tests, and PCR tests. PCR tests are one of the two types of diagnostic tests that can show if a person has an active COVID-19 viral infection and whether they need to take steps to quarantine or isolate themselves from others. These tests are often used for travel as they can diagnose an active COVID-19 infection, unlike antibody tests.

The process of getting a PCR test at an airport usually involves going to a designated testing facility or booth, which may be located outside of customs and immigration on the way to the exit. Some airports may also offer the option of requesting a PCR testing kit to complete at home before travelling. The specific process may vary depending on the airport and the country, so it is important to check the requirements and procedures for the specific airport you are travelling through.

Antibody tests

COVID-19 testing is becoming more common at airports, with some notable international airports offering testing options. Testing is also becoming more common at hotels, with many resorts throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America offering free COVID-19 testing to guests.

Frequently asked questions