Omicron outbreak: Kejriwal urges PM Modi to stop flights to affected countries

Almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the delta variant.

The World Health Organization has named the new version “Omicron” and classified it as “highly permeable”. Variants have been detected in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong.

The actual risks of Omicron are not understood. But early evidence suggests it carries an increased risk of reinfection compared to other highly transmissible variants, the WHO said. This means that people who have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 may be subject to catching it again. It may take weeks to know how effective existing vaccines are.

As a result, many countries have restricted travel for visitors to an area where there has been a new surge in these types of infections.

On the other hand, India has resumed the schedule of international flights to and from India from December 15. The Union Health Ministry also said that countries which are considered ‘at risk’ of Kovid-19 will be allowed to operate only a certain percentage. pre-covid scheduled flights.

This means airlines will be allowed to operate 50% of their pre-COVID scheduled passenger flights between India and South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana from December 15.

The ministry has included Hong Kong and Israel in the list of countries from where travelers will be required to follow additional measures upon arrival in India, including post-arrival testing while considering the detection of new ones. covid Variant ‘Omicron’ in South Africa.

Meanwhile, PM Modi has called a meeting with top government officials on the situation related to COVID-19 and vaccination. Cabinet Secretary Gauba, Principal Secretary to PM Modi PK Mishra and NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul and Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will attend the meeting.