Fastjet dismisses Covid-19 testing allegations
Regional airliner, Fastjet, has said it does not exclusively accept Covid-19 test results from Klosad Laboratories, which has been implicated in falsifying tests.
A weekly paper recently reported that Fastjet was only airline accepting tests from Klosad.
However, the airliner says these claims are not true.
“Fastjet Zimbabwe would like to set the record straight and highlight that the airline accepts Covid-19 PCR Test results from any laboratory that is approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care across Zimbabwe.
“The acceptance of PCR test certificates is done in conjunction with the personnel from the Port Health Authority stationed at the airports,” said the airliner in a statement.
“The airline does not have, nor has ever had, any form of agreement with Klosad Laboratories. Klosad offers customers of various airlines a discount on production of their travel documents. Fastjet is aware that this offer is extended to its customers in Harare only.”
Fastjet spokesperson Ed Berry, Accountable Manager for the airline said: “From the onset of the pandemic, the safety of our staff and customers is our priority. We have introduced extensive measures and procedures, based on local and global standards, all aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both our staff and customers, whilst mitigating risks associated with the pandemic.
“We take all requirements and guidelines very seriously, sharing accurate and up to date information with all customers through our website, social media channels and during and post the booking process.
“Pre-flight and during the flight measures are in place to check for, identify and mitigate any risks of transmission of the virus; all of which are enforced by our staff following our training and regular briefing sessions. This includes, but is not limited to, not accepting for travel any customers who are not in a possession of a negative PCR certificate that is not only stating a negative result, but also within the timeframe required”.
Mr Berry added: “All our procedures and policies are approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). Above that, we continue to implement processes based on the latest medical guidelines and practices as published and recommended by the relevant public health authorities, the World Health Organisation and International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Fastjet adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards any orchestrated campaigns that spread untruths and misinform the public, especially related to Covid-19 where the company acknowledges and recognises that the wellbeing of people and the community depends on reliable and accurate information.
“The company therefore reiterates its intent to set the record straight. These robust measures have seen isolated cases of individuals both in Zimbabwe and South Africa with PCR Test Certificates that were deemed to be unauthentic or non-compliant such as rapid antigen tests, being denied boarding of the aircraft as the safety of our passengers and staff remains our priority.”-ebusinessweeklyc.oz.w
