Domestic air passenger held in Kochi for refusal to undergo COVID test

A 54-year-old domestic air passenger, who landed from Chennai, was arrested at the Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, for allegedly refusing to follow instructions given by doctors for prevention of the spread of novel coronavirus, police said here on Tuesday (March 24).

Based on a information from health department officials, Lami Arackal from Ernakulam, who arrived at the airport in SpiceJet was arrested on Monday night.

A case was filed under sections 294(B), 506(1) and later he was released on bail.

According to officials, Arackal allegedly refused to wear mask and follow other instructions to be observed by the passengers coming from other states as part of the measures to check COVID-19 spread. He also allegedly misbehaved with the medical officers, police said.

The total number of active COVID-19 cases across the country now stands at 446, after over 22 fresh cases were reported.