Blanket travel bans will not prevent Omicron spread: WHO

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), a new variant of the Covid-19, was first reported in Botswana on November 11, 2021, and appeared on November 14 in South Africa. The WHO has declared it as a variant of concern.

Following the emergence of the ‘Omicron’, several countries including the United States, the Philippines, Spain, Israel, Austria, Morocco have imposed travel restrictions from Africa.

However, the WHO has issued travel advisory in relation to the Omicron variant.

* Countries should apply “an evidence-informed and risk-based approach” when implementing any travel measures related to the Omicron variant,

* Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and it will place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods

* Persons who are unwell or at risk of developing severe Covid-19 disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with co-morbidities (e.g. heart disease, cancer and diabetes), should be advised to postpone travel

* Travel-related mitigation measures should be part of an overall national response strategy. Some 56 countries were reportedly implementing travel measures aimed at potentially delaying import of Omicron as of Nov, 28, it added.

* Essential international travel should continue to be prioritized at all times during the Covid-19 pandemic

* All countries should ensure that measures are regularly reviewed and updated when new evidence becomes availableon Omicron or any other VOC