Kathmandu, July 6: Nepal Airlines on Monday confirmed its seven flying crew members including three pilots have tested positive for Covid-19.
Among the 30 crew members tested before being sent home from their hotel on completion of their allocated duty hours, seven were confirmed positive for Covid-19, said Archana Khadka, spokesperson for the airlines.
“Seven other crew members are also suspected to have the virus infection as their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results are expected on Tuesday.”
Airline sources said that all employees are in a panic-like situation after so many of them tested positive for Covid-19.
The seven members have been placed in isolation to prevent the contagion from spreading further, said Khadka. They are required to remain in isolation for 14 days.
As per the Covid-19 aviation health safety protocol, all cockpit and cabin crews, after operating three or four international flights, shall be self-quarantined at home.
The flag carrier said that flights would be operated as per the plan and by adopting additional safety measures.
According to sources, Nepal Airlines had its anniversary on July 1, when some crew members staying at the hotel allegedly celebrated the occasion without following the safety protocol. This is suspected to have spread the virus.
Nepal Airlines staff are kept at Hotel Soaltee, where the carrier holds 10 percent shares.
On Monday, the Airlines issued a circular asking its crew members to maintain social and physical distancing norms within the hotel premises, including rooms, strictly.
“Crew members are requested to stay alert and not to lose their guard and fight against Covid-19,” the internal memo reads. Nepal Airlines has designated a focal person to make all arrangements related to PCR testing and other logistics.
Airlines have been asked to assess their own risk and accordingly formulate policies for crew of flights whose members tested positive.
Earlier, two flying crew members, including a foreign pilot of Himalaya Airlines, were also confirmed to have the coronavirus infection.
– The Kathmandu Post
