Customs Offices at the Air Cargo Complex of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Thursday halted operations after two officers working there and few other staff of Air India SATS and Menzies Bobba tested positive for COVID-19. The air cargo complex, spread across Menzies Bobba and Air India SATS buildings, has been sealed for two days for sanitisation.
“As per Para 6 of the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – ‘SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in Offices’, Competent Authority has decided to close down the Customs Offices at Menzies Bobba Building and Air India SATS Building for two days (30/07/20 and 31/07/20) to ensure deep satitisation of all the floors of the said buildings.”
~ said an official statement from Principal of Commissioner of Customs
However, shed for import and export, goods assessment and courier service and the unaccompanied baggage section shall continue to remain operational. There has been no impact on import or export clearance.
An airport official informed TOI that an executive assistant in the administrative wing of the Bangalore Customs Unit (cargo), tested positive on Monday.
Following the positive report, staff working on the ground floor of the cargo complex underwent tests and were quarantined. On Wednesday, a customs officer turned positive. All employees were then isolated and the two buildings that also have several other offices were sealed.
The official said more than two employees had tested positive, but this could not be verified. All the affected staffers are in a stable condition.
Earlier, airport officials had set the air-conditioning at a warmer temperature, especially in the arrival bays, to prevent the spread of the virus after many staffers, including a duty doctor and health volunteers, tested positive.
