The screening of international and domestic passengers for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) hasn’t yet begun at airports as authorities await a nod from the Union government to start the screening process. Even the BMC has said it is waiting for the Union government directives to start screening individuals for the virus. Meanwhile, public health experts assert that the screening of passengers at airports should start soon as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of HMPV in India.

Sources from the Airports Authority of India said, “As of now, there are no screenings for HMPV happening at Indian airports. The screening process will begin once some guidelines are issued by the ministry or state or the local administration.” Confirming that the BMC is waiting for the Union government to issue some guidelines, Dr Daksha Shah, BMC’s executive health officer, said, “We will follow the guidelines of the Union Ministry once they are issued.”