Starting April 1, GeNose Can Be Used At 4 Airports Including YIA

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The government has allowed the use of the GeNose COVID-19 test kit as an alternative to health screening for domestic travelers.

This is based on the Circular of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Number 12 of 2021 concerning Provisions for the Travel of Domestic People during the COVID-19 Pandemic which is effective starting April 1, 2021.

In this circular, GeNose COVID-19 can be an alternative travel requirement for all modes of transportation, whether by land, sea or air.

Regarding the use of this tool for health screening of travelers, PT Angkasa Pura I Yogyakarta International Airport in Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, provides COVID-19 detection inspection services with GeNose for prospective aircraft passengers. This is at the same time implementing the existing circular.

"This circular, which was signed by the Chairperson of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force Doni Monardo on March 26, is effective starting April 1, 2021. In accordance with the circular letter from the COVID-19 task force Number 12 of 2021 regarding the conditions for prospective passengers traveling by air. one can use GeNose C19, which has a validity period of 2 times 24 hours, "said Acting General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) Agus Pandu Purnama, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, March 31.

He said Angkasa Pura I had also simulated the use of GeNose for YIA's internal employees on March 18, 2021. This simulation is a preparatory stage carried out by airport operators before a decision is made regarding the feasibility of implementing GeNose C-19 as a means of detecting COVID-19 at airports by relevant regulators in the air transportation sector.

"We, from YIA Airport, have taken anticipatory steps regarding the implementation of using GeNose. Then, starting April 1, the inspection through GeNose for all passengers using Yogyakarta International Airport will be implemented," he said.

Regarding GeNose service rates, Agus Pandu stated that the regulations from the central government, in this case the Ministry of Transportation, have not yet decided on the official GeNose rates to be applied at Yogyakarta International Airport or other airports. Apart from GeNose, health checks through rapid antigen tests are also still provided by Yogyakarta International Airport.

For implementation, this airport provides six units of GeNose equipment for passengers. Six units are in the check booths for each passenger. There are 16 officers who carry out health checks through GeNose. Self-examination starts from 04.00 WIB up to 19.00 WIB.

"The price for GeNose has not been determined by the head office. However, it is around Rp. 40 thousand to Rp. 50 thousand for a single inspection. In addition to GeNose, we will also serve antigen swab tests. For people who use air travel, they can choose to use an antigen swab or GeNose," said Agus Pandu.

It is estimated that GeNose checks will be carried out on approximately 1,500 passengers per day. This figure comes from 30 flights per day at Yogyakarta International Airport. With the implementation of medical examinations for prospective passengers through GeNose, it is hoped that a significant increase in the number of passengers will occur at Yogyakarta International Airport.

Apart from YIA Airport, GeNose will also be implemented in a number of other airports such as Medan's Kualanamu Airport, Bandung's Husein Sastranegara Airport, and Surabaya's Juanda International Airport. Then, gradually, this alternative health screening will be available at all airports in the country starting May 1.