While most of us had to drop our 2021 travel plans, 2022 does not look very promising too! Amid the scare of the new variant Omicron, countries have tightened COVID-19 restrictions again. Countries like Israel, Japan and Morocco have put a complete ban on international flights. If you had big travel plans, here’s what you need to know. Experts have predicted that India could see four to eight lakh cases in day by the end of January and beginning of February. Therefore, it can be wise to not make any travel plans between this window.
What Are The Arrival Rules For International Passengers In India?
Planning a trip abroad? While arriving in India, you have to quarantibe for 7 days. You will also have to underfo an RT-PCR test on the eighth day after arrival . Also, be ready for longer wait at Delhi airport amid new guidelines after omicron scare.
Which Countries Have Imposed Restrictions Amid Omicron Scare?
Many other countries such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany and Israel have tightened restrictions. Omicron cases have been detected in many countries including the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Australia as well as Israel. The World Health Organisation said in a statement that “This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with this variant, as compared to other variants of concern.”
Also read: India Mandates Quarantine For International Arrivals From At-Risk Countries Amid Omicron Scare
As fresh travel guidelines amid new Covid variant, #Omicron kicked in today, the Delhi airport tweeted this morning that operations for international arrivals from “at-risk” countries are running smoothly.https://t.co/OKypXLVS94
— Mint (@livemint) December 1, 2021
How Contagious Is Omicron?
After two deadly COVID-19 waves, WHO stated that this strain has been detected at faster rates than previous infections. While the daily average global cases rose by 1.3 lakh last month. Europe saw a jump from 2.2 lakh to 3.62 lakh, which is a 64 percent increase.
Also read: Abu Dhabi & Dubai Are Now Giving Booster Shots Amid Omicron Scare
#WHO issues guidelines for international travel amid #Omicron scare: 10 points
Read here: https://t.co/eRbJi3Buq1 pic.twitter.com/JEjsNiDUMZ
— Mint (@livemint) December 1, 2021
Is Domestic Travel A Good Idea?
The government warned that the Omicron variant does not escape RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test. Therefore, states are amping up testing for the early identification of cases. Travellers from Kerala and Maharashtra should provide a COVID-19 negative report upon arrival in Karnataka. Meanwhile, Maharashtra has also mandated RT-PCR negative test reports. Uttarakhand has also issued fresh guidelines for travellers entering the state. People travelling from outside the state should undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test at various border entry points over the fears of B.1.1.529.
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution met today to review what is known about the #COVID19 variant B.1.1.529.
They advised WHO that it should be designated a Variant of Concern.
WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 26, 2021
Planning to travel this holiday season? Watch out for this space for more travel updates.