India to screen passengers from 12 countries for new Covid variant 'Omicron'

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• Nov 28, 2021 | moderator

New Delhi: The new Omicron variant creates concern around the world. Amid the rising concern, India has listed various nations that need to test and screen for travelers entering India.

These travelers need to follow additional measures on arrival to India, including post-arrival testing for infection.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare includes Hong Kong and Israel to list nations where travelers need to follow additional measures on arrival in India. 

Moreover, these travelers need to include post-arrival testing considering detecting the new COVID variant 'Omicron' in South Africa.

The list of nations included by India comprises South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Israel, Hong Kong, European nations, and the UK.

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Previously, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a message to health secretaries of all states and Union Territories, stated: "lt has now been reported by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that multiple cases of a COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (named as Omicron) have been reported in Botswana (3 cases), South Africa (6 cases) and Hong Kong (1 case)."

This viral variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations. Thus, the nation has severe public health indications, given lately eased visa limitations and opening up of foreign travel.

Meantime, Switzerland has likewise entered the series of nations that declared the halt of travel from southern Africa. The United Kingdom was the first to stop flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini.