Centre tightens rules for overseas travellers over Omicron risk

Several countries have now placed travel restrictions on some countries in southern Africa over the new coronavirus variant

TT Special Correspondent   |   New Delhi   |  29.11.21: The Centre on Sunday said the decision on the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger flights will be reviewed as per evolving global scenario.

The decision was taken after an urgent meeting chaired by the Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday.

Several countries have now placed travel restrictions on some countries in southern Africa over the new coronavirus variant, Omicron.

The Centre will also review the standard operating procedure on testing and surveillance of the incoming international passengers, especially for those travelling from countries listed in the ‘at risk’ category. “Overall global situation in the wake of Omicron virus was comprehensively reviewed and various preventive measures in place and to be strengthened were also discussed,” the home ministry spokesperson said.

On Friday, the civil aviation ministry had issued an order allowing scheduled international flights to and from all countries considered “not at risk” with effect from December 15, 2021, after a gap of 20 months, though there will be restrictions on the number of flights permitted from a country depending on its health risk status.

The civil aviation ministry had said that passengers from countries in “at risk” category would be required to follow additional measures following their arrival in India including testing for coronavirus.

The rising concern over the new coronavirus variant, however, has now prompted the Centre to review the decision.

The home ministry on Sunday said genomic surveillance for variants will be further strengthened and intensified and health officials at airports and ports will be sanitised for strict supervision of testing protocol at entry points.

“Closer watch on emerging pandemic situation within the country will be maintained,” the ministry said.

Dr V.K. Paul, member (health), Niti Aayog, Dr Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific adviser to Prime Minister Modi, and senior officers from health, civil aviation and other ministries were present in the meeting headed by Union home secretary.