Ministry Denies Discrimination in COVID-19 PCR Test Requirement
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28 October 2021 18:09 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Transportation Ministry denied any discrimination in the COVID-19 PCR test requirement between the public and airline crews. The ministry’s Director General of Civil Aviation, Novie Riyanto, said flight staffers are allowed to take antigen tests because their flight areas lack PCR test facilities.
“No discrimination, but they (flight crew) can take PCR or antigen tests. For flights to and from areas with no PCR test facilities, they can use antigen tests,” said Novie to Tempo today, October 28.
The flight requirements for flight crews are regulated in ministerial circular No. 88 of 2021, which mandates them to show the negative result of a COVID-19 test. However, unlike air travel passengers–especially in flights within Java and Bali–who are obliged to present a PCR test negative result, airline crews are allowed to bring rapid antigen test results.
Additionally, the validity of both test results lasts longer for cabin crews up to 7x24 hours from the departure time, while for passengers, it is only 3x24 hours from the departure time.
Novie said that the length of the validity period took into account several conditions, including the standard health monitoring program owned by each airline for its personnel.
Read: PCR Test Requirement Expanded; Epidemiologist: Not Cost Effective
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | BISNIS