(Karachi) As part of measures to curb spread of COVID-19 disease, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has banned visitors from entering airports across the country, local media reported on Monday.

A notice issued by the CAA stated, "As per the instructions of Government of Pakistan, in order to curb spread of COVID-19, meeters and greeters are not allowed at the airport."

It added that only drivers will be allowed to drop passengers at the airports’ drop lines and those coming to pick travellers up will be required to wait in their vehicles until flyers’ arrival.

The CAA has made it mandatory for people to wear masks on the premises of the airports.

Earlier, the CAA laid down new rules for all international passengers arriving in the country.

The advisory divides international travelers into two categories A – will not need a negative COVID-19 test – and B – will be required to undergo coronavirus screening 96 hours prior to boarding a flight to Pakistan.

The number of countries which fall in A category is reduced to 22 from 30. These include Singapore, China, Cuba, Estonia, Japan, Ghana, Norway, Turkey, Vietnam, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and others.

The new advisory requires airlines to ensure the coronavirus SOPs are followed and has made it mandatory for passengers to fill out the health declaration form.