Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the government decision of paid quarantine for evacuated Indians stranded abroad, will create no trouble for the poor. Speaking at the media briefing after the COVID review meet, CM said that money will be taken for institutional quarantine only from those who can afford it.
“There have been some misunderstandings on the government's stance on paid quarantine. During the all-party meeting also, some raised the issue. There is no need for any anxiety regarding it. It will not be a burden on the poor. Only those who can afford the expense of quarantine will be asked to undergo paid quarantine. More details on it will be informed later,” CM said.
Those returning from abroad have to undergo 7 days institutional quarantine. Those who can afford the expense must pay. If their financial status doesn’t permit, the government will provide concessions. It was said earlier itself that treatment will be free of cost, it will continue to be so, he added.
Quarantine centres are not just accommodation spaces. Sometimes it has to be converted to hospitals. Government has prepared such facilities.
Some organisations abroad are trying to repatriate expats by charting flights. Government has no objection. If they inform beforehand, preparations can be done. The allegation that flights can’t be chartered because of non-approval from the state government is totally baseless, he further said.
