Regarding the new type of coronavirus Omicron, the World health Organization (WHO) says that the blanket travel ban will not stop the spread of the virus.
As the new and highly-contagious variant of the coronavirus Omicron continues to spread around the world, several countries have begun implementing strict travel guidelines to contain the spread of the virus.
But, the World health Organization warned on tuesday that blanket travel bans will not stop the spread of Omicron, despite the global health watchdog classifying it as a 'type of concern'.
In addition, they can adversely affect global health efforts during pandemics by discouraging countries to report and sharing epidemiological and sequencing data.
The WHO further said that countries should apply "an evidence-informed and risk-based approach" when imposing travel restrictions in the background of Omicron variants, such as screening or quarantining international travellers.
It said measures could include the screening of passengers before and/or upon arrival, and the use of international travellers to quarantine after a SARS-COV-2 test or a thorough risk assessment.
More than a dozen countries have reported cases of the new variant, which is reportedly also resistant to anti-Covid vaccines.
Around 56 countries, including india, have reportedly reimposed strict travel measures.
The indian government today advised all states and union territories to increase testing and conduct effective surveillance of international travellers, saying the new variant may not survive RT-PCR and RAT tests.
India has also extended the nationwide COVID-19 containment measures till december 31, although Union health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that there are no cases of Omicron in the country so far.
