INACA Asks Govt to Allow GeNose for Air Passengers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) asked the government to allow the use of the GeNose C19 medical test kit developed by Gadjah Mada University (UGM) for airplane passengers. The Covid-19 detector has been used in railroad transportation.

“We have proposed it. Hopefully, we will have the response this week,” said INACA chairman Denon Prawiraatmadja to Tempo on Monday, February 22.

The request was made under consideration of the device’s distribution permit issued by the Health Ministry and the use approval from the Covid-19 task force. Denon believed that it could be used in transportation modes.

He confirmed that the airport and airlines have been ready to collaborate with the provider. He also shared optimism that if it is implemented in the air transportation mode, it will provide more options for would-be passengers to carry out health checks besides the rapid antigen and PCR swab tests which are required for long-distance travel.

The government had permitted the use of the screening device in several major railway stations since February 15, 2021. Unlike the swab test, its samples are taken from human breath.

According to the official website of UGM, GeNose could detect Covid-19 faster within around 80 seconds. The cost is also cheaper than other tests, which is Rp20,000 with an accuracy of more than 90 percent.

Also Read: Sandiaga Uno Backs Tourist Sites Operators to Use GeNose C19

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA