Ban air travel to countries where Omicron is spreading: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel urges Centre

Speaking to reporters, CM Baghel said, `Air travel should be banned between India and the countries where the Omicron variant is spreading. Otherwise, the passengers coming from these countries to India will spread the virus in the country.` the Chhattisgarh CM said.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday said that air travel should be banned between India and the countries where the Omicron variant is spreading.

Speaking to reporters, CM Baghel said, "Air travel should be banned between India and the countries where the Omicron variant is spreading. Otherwise, the passengers coming from these countries to India will spread the virus in the country." the chief minister said. 

"Safety lies in prevention. We need to maintain hygiene around us. We should regularly wash our hands and ensure cleanliness," he added.

The government had on Wednesday decided not to resume scheduled international flights from December 15, less than a week after announcing the decision in the wake of rising concerns over the coronavirus variant Omicron.

Aviation watchdog DGCA said the effective date for resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services will be notified in due course. Scheduled international flights remain suspended since March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest move also comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 27 asked officials to review the plans for easing international travel restrictions amid concerns over Omicron.

In a circular on Wednesday, DGCA said in view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new Variants of Concern, the situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders.

"...An appropriate decision indicating the effective date of resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

The watchdog also referred to its circular issued on November 26 wherein it was decided that scheduled international flights will resume from December 15.

On November 28, a day after the Prime Minister's directions regarding the easing of international travel curbs, the government had said the decision to resume the services will be reviewed.

While no cases of Omicron have been reported in India so far, the authorities have put in place stricter norms for international passengers.

On November 29, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the situation was being closely monitored and reviewed in consultation with other ministries regarding "any further decision" on resuming scheduled international passenger services.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Scindia had said the decision to resume the flights from December 15 was taken after recognising the increased vaccination coverage across the globe, changing the nature of the pandemic and considering the health protocols, which have been put in place for international arrivals.

"However, in view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of concern, the situation is being closely monitored and reviewed in consultation with other Ministries, with regard to taking any further decision on the issue," the minister had said.

Currently, international passenger flights are being operated under bilateral air bubble arrangements with various countries in a restricted manner. As of November 24, India had formalised air bubble arrangements with 31 countries.

Six COVID-19 cases were reported on Wednesday after screening 3,476 passengers of 11 flights that arrived in India from 'at-risk' countries and the samples have been sent for genomic sequencing, the Union health ministry said.