Pune to Assam in flight: the dos and don’ts of travelling during lockdown 5
Barsha Haloi (24), Software Engineer
On June 1, 2020, as lockdown 5 began, I travelled from Pune to Guwahati by flight. Here are some dos and don’ts for those who wish to come back to Assam from Pune in the next few days.
The Air Travel: As checking-in online is mandatory, the first thing I did was web check-in 48 hours before the flight, through the official website of the airline. I filled up a health declaration form issued by airlines. From there, I got my boarding pass and baggage tag which we were allowed to carry with us during the boarding. You can also get your pass and tag through your email ID if registered.
I started heading towards Pune Airport at around 12:30 am. Although I was not sure of travelling at night, I had to as my flight was at 6 am. I booked my auto through the City Glide auto services. I would like to emphasise that the auto driver was very cooperative with me, and I was very comfortable even travelling at midnight. These services provide 24/7 hr emergency travel assistance in collaboration with Pune Police. I must say, Pune is indeed a safe city.
I was allowed to enter the airport at around 2 am. Make sure you reach the airport four hours before your flight.
At Pune Airport: Outside the gate, I got my bag sanitised and screening was done. They checked my boarding pass, ID proof and Aarogya setu app. You are allowed to carry 20 kg check-in luggage, and one 7 kg cabin bag made of a soft case that could fit easily under your seat. You are not allowed to use overhead bins.
At the time of boarding, we were provided with a sanitiser, mask and a face shield. You can also carry your own if you want to. I had purchased all the necessary items such as hand sanitiser, N-95 mask, hand gloves and disinfectant spray beforehand.
On Arrival at Guwahati: After arriving at Guwahati, thermal screening of the passengers was done before going for luggage. They asked us from which districts we belonged to, and accordingly, sent us to our respective counters. We were provided two forms to fill. One form was for our details, and the second one asked us which mode of transport we would opt to go to the screening centres. You can take a private or government vehicle. If private, you need to mention the vehicle number and give details of the driver. You can get the name of your screening centre at the airport itself.
At the screening centre, at first, they took our personal information at the data entry counter. Then they called out our names for the sample collection process. They took my nasal and throat swab sample. I was told to get home-quarantined for 14 days. You can also opt for paid or unpaid quarantine according to your needs. After finalising my documents once again, I got stamped on my hand and was sent home in a private taxi. I reached home at around 6 pm.
Home-Quarantined: For the next two days, the local health workers came to my home to check whether I was following the given measures or not. They put a post on my gate wall to let other people know that someone from outside had come, and was being quarantined.
Three days later, the Kamrup administration personally brought a relief package for me and my family, for which we are very grateful.
