People at risk for the new coronavirus, including those over 60, should avoid traveling, the World Health Organization said today after the emergence of the alarming new Omicron variant.
“We should recommend to people who are not in good health or who are at risk of developing a serious form of Covid-19 disease and die, especially people aged 60 and over and those with comorbidities (for example: heart disease, cancer and diabetes) to postpone their trip “, writes the WHO in its new travel recommendations.
In general, the WHO calls on all travelers to “remain vigilant”, to be vaccinated and to observe public health rules, whatever their vaccination status, including using masks, respecting social distancing measures and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated areas.
At the same time, the Geneva-based organization, whose recommendations are not always followed by its 194 member states, warns that general travel bans will not prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, urging countries to adopt a an approach based on a risk assessment.
“General travel bans will not hinder international dispersal and will burden lives and livelihoods. In addition, they may have a negative impact on global health efforts during the pandemic by discouraging countries from reporting and sharing epidemiological and sequencing data, ”the WHO said in the technical document.
“Measures could include checking passengers before travel and / or on arrival and using the SARS-COV-2 test or quarantining international travelers, after a thorough risk assessment,” says the WHO. in his travel recommendations.
At least 56 countries have announced by November 28 the implementation of travel measures aimed at delaying the introduction of Omicron, the agency said.
“All measures must be proportionate to the risks, limited in time and must be implemented with respect for the dignity of passengers, human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the WHO wrote.
He also recalled that “necessary international travel, including humanitarian and emergency travel, repatriation and air transport of essential items, must continue to be a priority”.
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