Flight crew members who are asymptomatic but test positive for COVID-19 need to undergo home isolation for 10 days and once it is over, they can be declared fit for flying again by their medical supervisor, according to aviation regulator DGCA.

If COVID-positive crew members have 'mild symptoms', they will "continue home isolation and will stand discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for three days", the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular, adding there is no need for "testing after the home isolation period is over".

However, if the isolation period for mildly symptomatic crew members is more than 14 days, they have to be examined by DGCA empanelled Class-1 examiner and crew is fit to fly if the examiner declares so, stated the circular that has been accessed by PTI.

The circular dated December 18, 2020, stated that COVID-positive flight crew members who are moderately and severely symptomatic need to undergo special medical examination -- after their complete clinical recovery -- at one of the Indian Air Force boarding centres to get the "cure certificate".

"Once declared 'fit for flying' at the IAF boarding centre, the air crew can commence flying only after DGCA medical assessment is issued," the circular added.

The regulator said the December 18 circular supersedes the June 22 circular which mentioned that only those cabin crew members who come in direct contact with a COVID-positive person onboard a flight will be sent for mandatory 14-day home quarantine.

The June 22 circular superseded a March 23 circular of the DGCA that had made it mandatory for the airlines to put the entire crew of a flight under home quarantine for 14 days in case anyone aboard was found to be COVID-positive.

Flight crew members who are asymptomatic but test positive for COVID-19 need to undergo home isolation for 10 days and once it is over, they can be declared fit for flying again by their medical supervisor, according to aviation regulator DGCA.

Flight crew members who are asymptomatic but test positive for COVID-19 need to undergo home isolation for 10 days and once it is over, they can be declared fit for flying again by their medical supervisor, according to aviation regulator DGCA. If COVID-positive crew members have 'mild symptoms', they will "continue home isolation and will stand discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for three days", the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular, adding there is no need for "testing after the home isolation period is over". However, if the isolation period for mildly symptomatic crew members is more than 14 days, they have to be examined by DGCA empanelled Class-1 examiner and crew is fit to fly if the examiner declares so, stated the circular that has been accessed by PTI. The circular dated December 18, 2020, stated that COVID-positive flight crew members who are moderately and severely symptomatic need to undergo special medical examination -- after their complete clinical recovery -- at one of the Indian Air Force boarding centres to get the "cure certificate". "Once declared 'fit for flying' at the IAF boarding centre, the air crew can commence flying only after DGCA medical assessment is issued," the circular added. The regulator said the December 18 circular supersedes the June 22 circular which mentioned that only those cabin crew members who come in direct contact with a COVID-positive person onboard a flight will be sent for mandatory 14-day home quarantine. The June 22 circular superseded a March 23 circular of the DGCA that had made it mandatory for the airlines to put the entire crew of a flight under home quarantine for 14 days in case anyone aboard was found to be COVID-positive.

Asymptomatic COVID-positive air crew would undergo home isolation for 10 days, DGCA says

At least seven of his close aides tested positive for deadly covid-19 within the last couple of weeks, Oli’s two ministers–Yogesh Bhattarai and Girirajmani Pokhrel–tested positive on Saturday and Sunday.

Nepal's tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, who also holds the culture and aviation portfolios, has become the first minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to contract the contagion which has so far infected over 100,000 people in the Himalayan nation.

In a Facebook post, the minister requested all those who came in his contact to be on alert.

According to The Kathmandu Post, Bhattarai is the eighth close aide of Oli to test positive for the Covid-19 after the Prime Minister's personal physician, personal photographer and media expert.

In February, Bhattarai, in a bid to boost tourism, had said that the world should be informed about the fact that Nepal is free from the dark shadow of coronavirus.

His statement had come a day after all the 175 Nepali nationals evacuated from China, who had been kept in quarantine, tested negative for the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, despite the several positive cases of Covid -9 around him Nepal’s PM is holding party meetings and interacting with opposition leaders and amid all this denial - Kathmandu is preparing for a high-profile visit from India. A visit by the Indian army chief --- General M M Naravane.

Oli he is 69 years old, he has pre-existing health conditions. He has undergone two kidney transplants and he frequently gets hospitalised for cough and fever.

The prime minister of Nepal - falls in the high-risk category of getting infected by the Wuhan virus. But there's no stopping him - from flouting covid-19 guidelines. 
Comrade Oli is still holding meetings despite several of his close aides testing positive in recent days. The lack of seriousness on the virus continues.

But there's a growing enthusiasm within the Oli govt to fix straining ties with India. Nepal has extended an invitation to the Indian army chief for a visit that had previously been postponed.

The announcement has been made by the Nepal army the visit could take place in November this year. The primary agenda will be settling boundary disputes. But reports also say that Indian army chief general Naravane will be conferred the honorary rank of 'general of Nepal’s army' by the country's president Vidya Devi Bhandari.

Facing growing criticism at home for its pandemic response. The Oli govt seems to be extending an olive branch to New Delhi. The coming weeks in the Himalayan republic will be something to watch out for.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least seven of his close aides tested positive for deadly covid-19 within the last couple of weeks, Oli’s two ministers–Yogesh Bhattarai and Girirajmani Pokhrel–tested positive on Saturday and Sunday.

At least seven of his close aides tested positive for deadly covid-19 within the last couple of weeks, Oli’s two ministers–Yogesh Bhattarai and Girirajmani Pokhrel–tested positive on Saturday and Sunday. Nepal's tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, who also holds the culture and aviation portfolios, has become the first minister in the Cabinet of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to contract the contagion which has so far infected over 100,000 people in the Himalayan nation. In a Facebook post, the minister requested all those who came in his contact to be on alert. According to The Kathmandu Post, Bhattarai is the eighth close aide of Oli to test positive for the Covid-19 after the Prime Minister's personal physician, personal photographer and media expert. In February, Bhattarai, in a bid to boost tourism, had said that the world should be informed about the fact that Nepal is free from the dark shadow of coronavirus. His statement had come a day after all the 175 Nepali nationals evacuated from China, who had been kept in quarantine, tested negative for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, despite the several positive cases of Covid -9 around him Nepal’s PM is holding party meetings and interacting with opposition leaders and amid all this denial - Kathmandu is preparing for a high-profile visit from India. A visit by the Indian army chief --- General M M Naravane. Oli he is 69 years old, he has pre-existing health conditions. He has undergone two kidney transplants and he frequently gets hospitalised for cough and fever. The prime minister of Nepal - falls in the high-risk category of getting infected by the Wuhan virus. But there's no stopping him - from flouting covid-19 guidelines. Comrade Oli is still holding meetings despite several of his close aides testing positive in recent days. The lack of seriousness on the virus continues. But there's a growing enthusiasm within the Oli govt to fix straining ties with India. Nepal has extended an invitation to the Indian army chief for a visit that had previously been postponed. The announcement has been made by the Nepal army the visit could take place in November this year. The primary agenda will be settling boundary disputes. But reports also say that Indian army chief general Naravane will be conferred the honorary rank of 'general of Nepal’s army' by the country's president Vidya Devi Bhandari. Facing growing criticism at home for its pandemic response. The Oli govt seems to be extending an olive branch to New Delhi. The coming weeks in the Himalayan republic will be something to watch out for. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM Oli continues to hold meetings despite his close aides testing positive for Covid

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan?&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him.&nbsp;

How Taiwan reacted to these allegations?&nbsp;

Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations.&nbsp;

Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO?&nbsp;

Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status".&nbsp;

Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO?&nbsp;

China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states.

What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO?&nbsp;

With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic.&nbsp;

What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO?&nbsp;

With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. &nbsp;

How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO?&nbsp;

There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.&nbsp;

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What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats.

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him. How Taiwan reacted to these allegations? Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations. Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO? Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status". Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO? China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states. What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO? With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic. What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO? With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO? There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.

Explained: The conflict between the WHO and Taiwan