Narendra Modi asks officials to review easing of international travel curbs over new COVID-19 variant Omicron
3 years, 1 month ago

Narendra Modi asks officials to review easing of international travel curbs over new COVID-19 variant Omicron

Firstpost  

The prime minister’s meeting with top officials came amid rising global concern about the B.1.1.529 strain of coronavirus Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a meeting with top officials on COVID-19 and said that we need to be proactive in light of the new variant while laying emphasis on the precautions to contain the virus. Prime Minister Modi asked officials to review plans to ease restrictions on international travel in light of global concern over omicron. “The PM also asked officials to review plans for easing international travel restrictions in light of the emerging new evidence,” the statement said. The meeting came amid rising global concern about the B.1.1.529 strain of the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation named as Omicron on Friday and termed as a ‘variant of concern’.

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History of this topic

Next 40 days crucial as India may see COVID cases surge in mid-January: Health Ministry sources
2 years ago

Next 40 days crucial as India may see COVID cases surge in mid-January: Health Ministry sources

The Hindu  

The next 40 days are going to be crucial as India may see a surge in COVID-19 cases in January, official sources said on December 28 citing the pattern of previous outbreaks. The sources said filling up of ‘air suvidha’ forms and 72-hour prior RT-PCR testing may be made mandatory from next week for international passengers coming from China, Japan, …

'Covid Not Over Yet': PM Modi Urges Wearing Of Masks, Asks States To Increase Testing
2 years ago

'Covid Not Over Yet': PM Modi Urges Wearing Of Masks, Asks States To Increase Testing

ABP News  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with top government officials on Thursday to review the coronavirus situation and urged people to wear masks in crowded places and follow Covid appropriate behaviour. PM Modi also asked states to increase Covid testing and focus on genome sequencing of all positive cases. "The Prime Minister advised states to audit Covid-19 specific …

PM Modi to review Covid situation at high-level meeting today
2 years ago

PM Modi to review Covid situation at high-level meeting today

Firstpost  

In the last six months, India reported four cases of the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant, which is driving the current surge of infections in China New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair on Thursday afternoon a high-level meeting to review the Covid-19 situation and its related aspects in the county. In the last six months, India reported four …

PM Modi To Review Covid-19 Situation At High-Level Meeting Today
2 years ago

PM Modi To Review Covid-19 Situation At High-Level Meeting Today

ABP News  

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the situation related to Covid and related aspects in the country at a high-level meeting on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. Covid-19 is not over yet, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday as the government sounded an alert following a surge of coronavirus cases in neighbouring China and other countries. …

Amid rising cases, PM Modi reviews COVID-19 situation in India at high-level meeting
2 years ago

Amid rising cases, PM Modi reviews COVID-19 situation in India at high-level meeting

India TV News  

COVID-19 India update: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a review meeting with regard to Covid situation in the country. The development comes a day after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the coronavirus situation and asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places, and getting vaccinated. According to the data shared by the Union …

Covid-19 travel update: From Hong Kong's free taxi rides to Greece easing curbs
2 years, 10 months ago

Covid-19 travel update: From Hong Kong's free taxi rides to Greece easing curbs

Hindustan Times  

Hong Kong has plans to mass-test the whole city for Covid with Beijing’s help. Covid-19 travel update: From Hong Kong's free taxi rides to Greece easing curbs Singapore plans to substantially ease travel and social restrictions once the current wave of Covid infections peaks amid mounting evidence that the omicron variant is less threatening than its predecessors. Key Developments: Virus …

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging
2 years, 10 months ago

As COVID curbs are lifted, experts call for clear messaging

Al Jazeera  

The Netherlands, Germany, South Africa and the United Kingdom are among several countries which have announced plans to lift the majority of COVID restrictions, despite the continuing spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. The raft of announcements, including plans to scrap COVID self-isolation for those who test positive in England and an end to social distancing rules in …

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar
2 years, 11 months ago

WHO: In 10 weeks, omicron surge causes COVID cases to soar

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The World Health Organization chief said Tuesday that 90 million cases of coronavirus have been reported since the omicron variant was first identified 10 weeks ago — amounting to more than in all of 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many countries easing their restrictive measures amid public fatigue about them, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom …

Narendra Modi to hold meeting with CMs over COVID-19 situation on 13 January
2 years, 11 months ago

Narendra Modi to hold meeting with CMs over COVID-19 situation on 13 January

Firstpost  

Fresh curbs have been imposed in various parts of the country to check the spread of the highly transmissible virus. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a meeting with chief ministers over the COVID-19 situation on Thursday as the number of virus infections sees a surge due to its Omicron variant. Reviewing the Covid situation at …

Restrictions imposed in several states as Covid-19 cases rise
3 years ago

Restrictions imposed in several states as Covid-19 cases rise

Deccan Chronicle  

Mumbai: Several states in the country has announced fresh restrictions in the context of rising Covid-19 cases. India reported 159,632 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in the country. Uttar Pradesh is the latest to announce a night curfew and the state has decided to close physical classes in all …

Omicron update: Global cases top 1 million, as WHO urges caution
3 years ago

Omicron update: Global cases top 1 million, as WHO urges caution

Live Mint  

Just as the World Health Organization warned that Omicron still poses “very high” risk and could overwhelm healthcare systems across the world, the highly transmissible omicron variant has taken worldwide Covid-19 cases above 1 million for a second straight day This comes two years after reports of a mysterious pneumonia first emerged in Wuhan, the pandemic shows no signs of …

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations
3 years ago

Biden confirms end of Omicron travel curbs for African nations

Al Jazeera  

US president says restrictions are ‘no longer necessary’, as new COVID-19 variant becomes dominant strain. US President Joe Biden has formally ordered an end to travel restrictions on eight southern African countries imposed last month to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, saying that the curbs are “no longer necessary to protect the public health”. The Biden administration …

Amid Omicron fears, PM Modi chairs COVID-19 review meet; 236 cases reported in 16 states
3 years ago

Amid Omicron fears, PM Modi chairs COVID-19 review meet; 236 cases reported in 16 states

Firstpost  

The Centre said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus is at least thrice more transmissible than its Delta variant and asked states and UTs to ‘activate’ war rooms and keep taking strict containment action at the district and local levels New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting on the COVID-19 situation in the country on Thursday evening …

Covid-19 Omicron: IATA Calls for Governments to Repeal Travel Bans, Follow WHO's Advice
3 years ago

Covid-19 Omicron: IATA Calls for Governments to Repeal Travel Bans, Follow WHO's Advice

News 18  

The International Air Transport Association called for governments to follow World Health Organisation’s advice and immediately rescind travel bans that were introduced in response to the Omicron variant of coronavirus. “After nearly two years with Covid-19 we know a lot about the virus and the inability of travel restrictions to control its spread," IATA Director General Willie Walsh said. “But …

Covid-19 Omicron: International Flights to Resume on Jan 31 in India
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19 Omicron: International Flights to Resume on Jan 31 in India

News 18  

The DGCA has announced that commercial international flights from India will resume on January 31 amid rising fear of the new Omicron variant. The emergence of the new Covid variant, Omicron, first found in southern Africa has sparked a global alarm, with several countries shutting borders and imposing travel restrictions. The Centre on November 28 revised the travel guidelines for …

How Omicron is pushing the world back to restrictions
3 years, 1 month ago

How Omicron is pushing the world back to restrictions

India Today  

Even before the effect of the coronavirus's Delta strain could fade away, the detection of a new variant of concern - Omicron - has forced several countries to reconsider their border restrictions. Infographic by India Today DIU In view of the resurgence of the virus, the Indian government said passengers originating or transiting from at-risk countries shall be informed by …

Covid-19 Omicron May Bring Back Extensive Travel Restrictions Across World: IATA
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19 Omicron May Bring Back Extensive Travel Restrictions Across World: IATA

News 18  

The sudden emergence of Covid-19’s Omicron variant may force countries to re-impose extensive travel restrictions, said International Air Transport Association. “Meaning any strong rise in global RPKs is unlikely in the next 2-3 months," it said in its Air Passenger Market Analysis for October 2021. “New cases were falling in most other regions however, and indeed, travel restrictions were eased …

India defers resumption of international flights with an eye on Covid-19 variants
3 years, 1 month ago

India defers resumption of international flights with an eye on Covid-19 variants

Hindustan Times  

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Wednesday delayed the resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger airline services to or from India, mentioning that it will notify its decision on the same in due time. In a meeting late last month, the central government had announced that commercial international flights shall resume from December 15, after a long hiatus of …

Omicron travel bans harming global cooperation, WHO warns
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron travel bans harming global cooperation, WHO warns

Al Jazeera  

UN warns travel bans are hindering the sharing of samples from South Africa that could shed light on the new variant. Guterres said countries that had reported the emergence of the new strain should not “be collectively punished for identifying and sharing crucial science and health information with the world.” 1 Dec 2021 - 18:49 GMT Passengers from Doha or …

The Omicron variant is starting to weigh on travel: ‘Two steps forward and one step back’
3 years, 1 month ago

The Omicron variant is starting to weigh on travel: ‘Two steps forward and one step back’

LA Times  

New travel restrictions are taking hold in Japan and other countries because of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. “It’s like we are taking two steps forward and one step back,” he said Tuesday at an airline expo in Long Beach that drew 1,300 in-person attendees. In response to the variant, the U.S. on Nov. 26 announced a temporary halt …

Unnecessary hype over Covid Omicron variant? Here's what South African doctor who first raised alarm said
3 years, 1 month ago

Unnecessary hype over Covid Omicron variant? Here's what South African doctor who first raised alarm said

India TV News  

Highlights Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa Amid Omicron scare, the Centre has issued fresh guidelines for international passengers Countries are following act-first-ask-questions later approach to keep new variant at bay Omicron Variant Latest Updates: South African Dr. Angelique Coetzee, who first raised the alarm over the Omicron variant, has recently said that world is over-reacting in relation …

WHO warns that new Omicron COVID-19 variant poses ‘very high’ risk
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO warns that new Omicron COVID-19 variant poses ‘very high’ risk

Firstpost  

The warning came as more countries around the world reported cases of the variant while scientists race to figure out just how dangerous the mutant version might be Geneva: The World Health Organisation warned on Monday that the global risk from the omicron variant is “very high” based on the early evidence, saying the mutated coronavirus could lead to surges …

The Latest: CDC says ages 18 and up should get booster shot
3 years, 1 month ago

The Latest: CDC says ages 18 and up should get booster shot

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday broadened its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for all adults as the new omicron variant is identified in more countries. Walensky also encouraged Americans feeling unwell to seek out a COVID-19 test, saying “Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.” ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: — Nations around …

Omicron Covid variant: Curbs from Japan to Spain wreak havoc on air travel
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron Covid variant: Curbs from Japan to Spain wreak havoc on air travel

Hindustan Times  

Airlines, passengers and businesses had to respond to a deluge of travel restrictions introduced to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Omicron Covid variant: Curbs from Japan to Spain wreak havoc on air travel An initial spate of flight bans from southern Africa, where Omicron was first detected, gave way to wider-ranging measures that will make travel more …

Omicron: WHO warns COVID variant risk ‘very high’
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron: WHO warns COVID variant risk ‘very high’

Al Jazeera  

UN agency says based on early evidence there was a possibility of new surges that could lead to ‘severe consequences’. 29 Nov 2021 - 17:07 GMT UN’s Guterres ‘deeply concerned’ by curbs on Southern Africa UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he was “deeply concerned” as countries around the world imposed travel restrictions on Southern Africa in an attempt …

WHO calls Omicron 'very high' risk, India extends support to affected African nations | 10 points
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO calls Omicron 'very high' risk, India extends support to affected African nations | 10 points

India Today  

The World Health Organization on Sunday classified the new Variant of Concern Omicron strain as global 'high risk', saying its mutations may confer immune escape potential and possibly transmissibility advantage, as per an assessment. We express our solidarity with the countries, particularly in Africa, who have so far been affected by the Omicron variant.” - Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya …

COVID-19 variant Omicron spreads to more countries as world on alert
3 years, 1 month ago

COVID-19 variant Omicron spreads to more countries as world on alert

Firstpost  

New cases were confirmed Saturday in Germany and Italy, with Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong also reporting that the variant has been found in travellers London: The new potentially more contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in more European countries on Saturday, just days after being identified in South Africa, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop …

Being 'punished' for early detecting new COVID-19 variant Omicron: South Africa
3 years, 1 month ago

Being 'punished' for early detecting new COVID-19 variant Omicron: South Africa

The Hindu  

South Africa on November 27 said it was being "punished" for its advanced ability to detect new COVID-19 variants early, as several countries imposed travel ban on it due to the new potentially highly-transmissible Omicron variant, first detected here. The latest round of travel bans is "akin to punishing South Africa for its advanced genomic sequencing and the ability to …

Coronavirus updates | November 28, 2021
3 years, 1 month ago

Coronavirus updates | November 28, 2021

The Hindu  

The Netherlands confirmed 13 cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus on Sunday and Australia found two as the countries half a world apart became the latest to detect it in travelers arriving from southern Africa. - PTI National Government to review decision on restarting international flights, SOP for incoming passengers The government on Sunday decided to review …

US announces travel restrictions over new Covid-19 variant Nov. 27, 2021
3 years, 1 month ago

US announces travel restrictions over new Covid-19 variant Nov. 27, 2021

CNN  

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during a press conference on November 27, in London. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK must take “targeted and proportionate measures now” amid concerns over the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. But we will require anyone who enters the UK to take a PCR test by the end of the second day after …

Omicron COVID-19 variant | Review plan to start all international flights: PM
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron COVID-19 variant | Review plan to start all international flights: PM

The Hindu  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday directed a review of plans to ease international travel restrictions in light of the emerging new COVID-19 virus variant B.1.1.529 found in South Africa that has been designated as a ‘Variant of Concern’ by the World Health Organization. In a two-hour-long meeting with senior Central Government officials, Mr. Modi highlighted the need for monitoring …

Arvind Kejriwal urges PM Modi to stop flights from countries affected by new COVID-19 variant
3 years, 1 month ago

Arvind Kejriwal urges PM Modi to stop flights from countries affected by new COVID-19 variant

Firstpost  

Amid rising concern about a new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’, India has added several countries to the list from where travellers would need to follow additional measures on arrival, including post-arrival testing for infection New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop flights from those countries which are affected by the new COVID-19 …

Review easing of international flight curbs: PM amid new Covid variant concern
3 years, 1 month ago

Review easing of international flight curbs: PM amid new Covid variant concern

India TV News  

Highlights India has added several countries to the list from where travellers would need to follow additional The new 'Omicron' variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations India on Saturday reported 8,318 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours Prime Minister on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation relating to Covid-19 …

Narendra Modi to chair meet on COVID-19 situation with top government officials at 10.30 am
3 years, 1 month ago

Narendra Modi to chair meet on COVID-19 situation with top government officials at 10.30 am

Firstpost  

The prime minister’s meeting comes amid rising global concern about the B.1.1.529 strain of the coronavirus, now called ‘Omicron’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with top government officials on the COVID-19 situation and vaccination at 10:30 am today. The meeting comes amid rising global concern about the B.1.1.529 strain of the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation …

Explained: Will flight restrictions help as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' emerges?
3 years, 1 month ago

Explained: Will flight restrictions help as new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' emerges?

Firstpost  

Some say at best the restrictions can buy time for new public health measures to be put in place. But the World Health Organization has called it a “variant of concern” and governments around the world are not waiting for scientists to better understand the variant to impose flight bans and other travel restrictions. “Travel restrictions can delay but not …

Omicron Covid variant: Need to be proactive, review international travel curbs, says PM Modi
3 years, 1 month ago

Omicron Covid variant: Need to be proactive, review international travel curbs, says PM Modi

India Today  

On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a two-hour-long meeting with top officials on the Covid-19 situation and vaccination status in India. VARIANTS IN INDIA The officials gave PM Modi an overview of the genome sequencing efforts in India and the different variants of coronavirus that have been detected in the country. VACCINATION STATUS The officials at the meeting …

PM Modi chairs key meet on Covid-19, vaccination status amid concerns over Omicron variant
3 years, 1 month ago

PM Modi chairs key meet on Covid-19, vaccination status amid concerns over Omicron variant

India Today  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an important meeting on the Covid-19 situation and vaccination status in India on Saturday morning. COVID IN INDIA India registered 8,318 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. VACCINATION STATUS India administered 73,58,017 Covid vaccine doses in the last 24 hours. As per the government’s decision, airlines will be allowed to operate 50 per …

European Union may ban flights from Africa amid new Covid-19 variant concerns
3 years, 1 month ago

European Union may ban flights from Africa amid new Covid-19 variant concerns

India TV News  

Highlights France suspends all flights coming from southern Africa for 48 hours The new variant has been identified as B.1.1.529. South Africa has reported 6 cases A fourth spike of the coronavirus is hitting the 27-nation EU especially badly The European Union's executive said on Friday it wants to stop air travel from southern Africa to counter the spread of …

WHO designates new COVID strain Omicron as ‘variant of concern’
3 years, 1 month ago

WHO designates new COVID strain Omicron as ‘variant of concern’

Al Jazeera  

The World Health Organization has designated a new coronavirus strain detected in South Africa as a “variant of concern”, prompting countries around the world to impose travel restrictions amid fears over its potential spread. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s COVID-19 Technical Lead, said on Friday that Omicron was designated as a “variant of concern” because it has some “worrying” properties. …

US restricts travel from India in light of second wave of Covid infections
3 years, 8 months ago

US restricts travel from India in light of second wave of Covid infections

India Today  

The US on Friday restricted travel from India to the United States owing to the second wave of Covid-19 infections that has devastated the country. Addressing the White House Press Corps, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the United States' decision to restrict travel from India will come into force next week. Asked what prompted the travel ban, the White …

Narendra Modi to hold COVID-19 review meet with chief ministers of all states on 8 April
3 years, 9 months ago

Narendra Modi to hold COVID-19 review meet with chief ministers of all states on 8 April

Firstpost  

Modi’s last interaction with chief ministers was on 17 March during which he had expressed concern over the rise in COVID-19 cases and called for “quick and decisive” steps to check the “emerging second peak” New Delhi: Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers on Thursday to discuss the COVID-19 situation and …

New covid strain: Canada suspends flights from UK for 72 hours
4 years ago

New covid strain: Canada suspends flights from UK for 72 hours

Live Mint  

The Canadian government on Sunday announced the decision to suspend flights from the United Kingdom amid a genetic variant of the coronavirus which was identified in the UK. "The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the genetic variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 identified in the United Kingdom and is working with international partners, including the World Health Organization, …

New Travel Curbs Imposed as World Tackles Second Coronavirus Wave
4 years, 5 months ago

New Travel Curbs Imposed as World Tackles Second Coronavirus Wave

News 18  

Nations in Asia imposed new restrictions on Monday and an abrupt British quarantine on travellers from Spain threw Europe's vaunted summer reopening into disarray, as the world confronted the prospect of a second wave of COVID-19 infections. "Not only is it unjust but it's also totally illogical and lacking in rigour," Spain's main hotel association CEHAT said, as hotels offered …

COVID-19 pandemic could cost millions of jobs in global tourism industry: UN body
4 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19 pandemic could cost millions of jobs in global tourism industry: UN body

The Hindu  

Millions of jobs in the global tourism industry could be lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted travel like no other event in history and caused 96 per cent of all worldwide destinations to introduce restrictions in response to the outbreak, the World Tourism Organisation has said. Almost all global destinations have imposed restrictions on travel since January …

COVID-19 | Flight ban to stay till May 3
4 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19 | Flight ban to stay till May 3

The Hindu  

All domestic and international flights will remain suspended until the midnight of May 3, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This means that international flights would have been barred for a total of 42 days and domestic flights for 40 days by May 3. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation banned international flights from March 23 and the ban …

PM Modi holds Covid-19 review meeting with Chief Ministers
4 years, 9 months ago

PM Modi holds Covid-19 review meeting with Chief Ministers

Hindustan Times  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting with various Chief Ministers via video conferencing, on the prevailing coronavirus situation in the country. As many as 131 new coronavirus cases have been reported across the country in the last 12 hours The meeting also saw Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance. As many …

How Modi government braced against the coronavirus pandemic: pro-active steps since January
4 years, 9 months ago

How Modi government braced against the coronavirus pandemic: pro-active steps since January

Op India  

As the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic has gripped almost the entire world, many countries have taken extreme measures to arrest the spread. #CoronaUpdate 2/15 pic.twitter.com/r94po3dOup — Akhilesh Mishra March 28, 2020 January 27, 2020: The central government had held a cabinet meeting to review preparedness to counter the Chinese pandemic. #CoronaUpdate 3/15 pic.twitter.com/VvdLeZvG4q — Akhilesh Mishra March 28, 2020 February 1, …

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