Blanket travel bans will not prevent Omicron spread, says WHO

In a travel advisory, the global health body said that such bans can, in fact, adversely impact global health efforts.

Published on: Nov 30, 2021, 23:29:55 IST

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Johannesburg: Passengers check in at the Lufthansa counter at Johannesburg's OR Tambo's airport, Monday Nov. 29, 2021. (Image used only for representative purpose)

The World Health Organization said Tuesday that blanket travel bans would not prevent the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant of concern, after dozens of countries imposed restrictions.

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"Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods. In addition, they can adversely impact global health efforts during a pandemic by disincentivising countries to report and share epidemiological and sequencing data," the WHO said in a travel advice statement on Omicron.

It added that people vulnerable to developing severe Covid-19 disease, including the over-60s, should be advised to postpone travel.

"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," the WHO said in a travel advice statement on Omicron.

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