Location: Maharashtra – Greater Mumbai area
Event: The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai has received information from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) that effective immediately, individuals present in crowded places may be randomly subjected to Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for COVID-19 due to the increasing number of cases in Mumbai and certain districts of Maharashtra. The test is done via nasal swab and is at the expense of the individual, costing up to 1400 Indian rupees or about $20 U.S.
According to the order, RAT will be carried out without consent of individuals who are present in crowded places, and individuals who refuse to submit to the test will be in violation of the Epidemic Act of 1897. If the test result is positive and the individual is symptomatic, they will be hospitalized at a MCGM Approved Hospital If the test result is positive and the citizen is “asymptomatic”, they will be subject to home quarantine monitored by MCGM.
U.S. citizens in Mumbai and affected districts of Maharashtra are advised to follow the MCGM health instructions and guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Citizens can dial 1916 for detailed instructions or download the MCGM application on their smart phones.
U.S. citizens are reminded to monitor the CDC website for the latest guidance on COVID-19, including information on mandatory testing requirements for travel to the United States.
Actions to Take:
· Monitor the MCGM website for latest guidance regarding testing requirements.
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All U.S. citizen travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's SmartTraveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest travel updates and information.
-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhiis located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407.
-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is located at C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051; telephone +91-22-2672-4000; fax+91-22-2672-4786.
-- The U.S. Consulate General in Calcutta (Kolkata)is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400 through 2282-3615; fax +91-33-2282-2335.
-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras)is located at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2857-4443
-- The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabadis located at Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003; telephone: +91 (40) 4033-8300.
The Embassy/Consulate’s Internet home page address is http://in.usembassy.gov
