There were a lot of discussions about raising the flight ban to international destination amidst this new COVID variant Omicron. As our country observes an expansion in corona virus cases, with some Omicron cases coming up, it has continued the partial suspension over flights until next January 31st 2022. This announcement came from the government authorities because of risk of third wave of corona virus. People have a mixed opinion about this decision but above all, preventive measures are very crucial at this stage.
Flight Suspension in India
Earlier International flights were to be resumed from December 15th this month, but the permission was paused because of outbreak of Omicron variant. Since more than 50 nations have got cases of omicron, it shows concerns over the travel restrictions. This is especially in the times of COVID pandemic where we saw Delta variant taking numerous lives. Therefore government has extended the suspension of international flights till 31st January, until further notice. However the ones that are in ‘Air Bubble’ can still resume as earlier norms were mentioned.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation passed a circular that mentioned that restrictions won’t be applicable for international cargo operation. Most of the cargo operations can be operated so that business and internal trade does not suffer anymore. However the guidelines have been fore mentioned to maintain precautions for Omicron variant.
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Omicron Cases in India
India has recorded 9,419 COVID cases on Thursday, which has led to spike in corona cases over few days. This is 11.6 % higher than previous day, hence raising an alarming situation. Active cases in India as of now are around 94,742. Also 159 deaths have been reported because of COVID-19 in a single day.
9 Omicron Patients Negative
There is also good news coming in from Rajasthan, where 9 patients that were tested of having Omicron variant of COVID-19 have tested negative. They have been discharged from the government hospital on Thursday after their reports came negative. Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena reported this with utmost relief, bringing down the number of Omicron infected patients in India.
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Reports of people that were testes with Omicron variant in blood test and CT scan were all normal. They have still been advised to quarantine themselves in their respective houses for a week. Dr. Sudhir Bhandari who is Principal of Sawai Mansingh Medical College has advised everyone to stay alert and informed that research on Omicron is still under process. However he has claimed that variant is rapid, but not as fatal as Delta variant was. This gives a little sigh of relief to many but precautions and prevention measures must be taken care of regularly.
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