If he were merely voted out, some other clown who replaces him will stick around for at least a decade or more.
We need systemic change.
-
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Serious WHY NO BAN ON FLIGHTS FROM INDIA????
- Thread starter Pinkieslut
- Start date
If he were merely voted out, some other clown who replaces him will stick around for at least a decade or more.
We need systemic change.
If there was true democracy...this would not b an issue. Democracy assumption to to make gahmens accountable by letting the voters decide
Australia tightens loopholes in India travel ban; Hong Kong imposes emergency 14-day ban on flights from Nepal - The Online Citizen Asia
Australia tightens loopholes in India travel ban; Hong Kong imposes emergency 14-day ban on flights from Nepal
The loophole that allowed travellers from India to travel to Australia despite the travel ban by transiting in Qatar has been closed, reported local news agency SBS News on Friday (30 Apr).
The ban, which is in place until 15 May following the worrying spike in new COVID-19 cases there recently, was meant to keep travellers from India out of Australia.
However, it appears that some people were able to circumvent the ban by transiting via Doha in Qatar. Some prominent names who managed to do that include Australian cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson who were returning from playing in the Indian Premier League.
According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an interview on a Sydney radio station 2GB, the loophole was closed just shortly after the flight from Doha took off on Wednesday.
He said, “Those transit passengers, the airlines advise us, are no longer coming through from Doha.”
“The advice we had wasn’t fully correct so when we got the additional information we took that action.”
Mr Morrison added that further safeguards would be implemented to stop people from using different countries in order to go around Australia’s travel ban on India. These measures would be applied following the country’s cabinet meeting on Friday.
The Australian cabinet is also meeting to consider classifying other countries as high risk as well. They will be considering a list put together by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and foreign affairs officials, reported SBS News.
Similarly in Hong Kong, the city has just classified Nepal as extremely high-risk for COVID-19, triggering a suspension of flights from the region starting Saturday in an effort to reduce the number of imported cases, said the Hong Kong government on Thursday (29 Apr).
Earlier this month, Hong Kong had imposed the same mechanism on flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, over the rising number of cases there.
The mechanism provides that if five or more travellers from the same place are confirmed positive with the N501Y strain of COVID-19 in seven days, all passenger flights from that place will be prohibited from landing in Hong Kong for 14 days.
This is part of a circuit breaker measure the city has put in place to prevent further spread of the mutated strain of the virus, which was first detected in South Africa.
Last week, Hong Kong reported that at least 49 passengers on a flight from New Delhi had tested positive for COVI-19, which triggered the emergency ban on all flights from India. Several of the imported cases were reported to carry the N501Y mutant strain of the virus.
Authorities in Hong Kong had also said that there were several cases detected on flights arriving in the city from Mumbai.
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Australia tightens loopholes in India travel ban; Hong Kong imposes emergency 14-day ban on flights from Nepal
The loophole that allowed travellers from India to travel to Australia despite the travel ban by transiting in Qatar has been closed, reported local news agency SBS News on Friday (30 Apr).
The ban, which is in place until 15 May following the worrying spike in new COVID-19 cases there recently, was meant to keep travellers from India out of Australia.
However, it appears that some people were able to circumvent the ban by transiting via Doha in Qatar. Some prominent names who managed to do that include Australian cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson who were returning from playing in the Indian Premier League.
According to Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an interview on a Sydney radio station 2GB, the loophole was closed just shortly after the flight from Doha took off on Wednesday.
He said, “Those transit passengers, the airlines advise us, are no longer coming through from Doha.”
“The advice we had wasn’t fully correct so when we got the additional information we took that action.”
Mr Morrison added that further safeguards would be implemented to stop people from using different countries in order to go around Australia’s travel ban on India. These measures would be applied following the country’s cabinet meeting on Friday.
The Australian cabinet is also meeting to consider classifying other countries as high risk as well. They will be considering a list put together by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly and foreign affairs officials, reported SBS News.
Similarly in Hong Kong, the city has just classified Nepal as extremely high-risk for COVID-19, triggering a suspension of flights from the region starting Saturday in an effort to reduce the number of imported cases, said the Hong Kong government on Thursday (29 Apr).
Earlier this month, Hong Kong had imposed the same mechanism on flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines, over the rising number of cases there.
The mechanism provides that if five or more travellers from the same place are confirmed positive with the N501Y strain of COVID-19 in seven days, all passenger flights from that place will be prohibited from landing in Hong Kong for 14 days.
This is part of a circuit breaker measure the city has put in place to prevent further spread of the mutated strain of the virus, which was first detected in South Africa.
Last week, Hong Kong reported that at least 49 passengers on a flight from New Delhi had tested positive for COVI-19, which triggered the emergency ban on all flights from India. Several of the imported cases were reported to carry the N501Y mutant strain of the virus.
Authorities in Hong Kong had also said that there were several cases detected on flights arriving in the city from Mumbai.
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Eeewwwwwww
HK bans flights from Nepal to stop possible import of COVID while SG continues to admit travellers using Nepal as transit - The Online Citizen Asia
by Correspondent
30/04/2021
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Hong Kong announced yesterday (29 Apr) that it will ban all passenger flights from Nepal flying into its territory starting tomorrow (1 May).
Nepal has been identified by Hong Kong authorities as extremely high-risk in importing COVID-19 infections to its city.
In addition to Nepal, flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines have already been banned by Hong Kong earlier this month.
Nepali media reported on 21 Apr that Indian nationals have been flying into Nepal, packing the hotels in Kathmandu before flying off to their destination countries including Singapore.
But Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung feels that the risk is low. He said that a traveller who has left India but stayed in another country before flying to Singapore would not have the same level of risk as someone who came directly from India.
The soon-to-be Health Minister said that anyone staying in one place long enough would assume the risk profile of that place. “I think, as a matter of general infection control knowledge, regardless of your nationality, if you stay in a place long enough, you assume the risk profile of that place,” he said.
“You may be from another country, but once you stay in a new country for a while, you assume a new risk profile.”
“But if your policy is to target risk, then for someone from a high-risk country to move to a lower risk country, stay there for some time, and after that remain non COVID-positive, remain negative, and then come to Singapore … they have lowered the risk in that process,” added Mr Ong.
On Wed (28 Apr), there were already 2 imported cases of Indian nationals travelling to Singapore via Nepal. One is a Work Pass holder while the other a Dependant’s Pass holder.
Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 infections crossed the 18 million mark yesterday (29 Apr) with almost 380,000 new cases, breaking another world record for new daily infections.
Nepali Times reported last week that Indian nationals employed abroad or who are visiting their families abroad have been using the capital city of Kathmandu as a transit point to places that have imposed a ban on direct flights from India, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
In its article dated 21 Apr, it was stated that nearly 400 Indian workers depart from Kathmandu daily to the two cities, as well as Saudi Arabia and other countries after spending two weeks in hotels in Nepal’s largest city.
Between 1 to 18 Apr, 5,250 Indian nationals had reportedly flown out of Tribhuvan Kathmandu Airport (TIA), according to Nepali Times.
The Indian embassy in Nepal later issued an advisory against Indian nationals transiting to other countries via Nepal due to the restrictions imposed on such travel by Nepal’s Immigration Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The restriction, which took effect on Wednesday (28 Apr) and will continue indefinitely until further notice, does not affect inbound and outbound flights to and from Nepal for travellers making the country their final port of embarkation and disembarkation.
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by Correspondent
30/04/2021
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Hong Kong announced yesterday (29 Apr) that it will ban all passenger flights from Nepal flying into its territory starting tomorrow (1 May).
Nepal has been identified by Hong Kong authorities as extremely high-risk in importing COVID-19 infections to its city.
In addition to Nepal, flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines have already been banned by Hong Kong earlier this month.
Nepali media reported on 21 Apr that Indian nationals have been flying into Nepal, packing the hotels in Kathmandu before flying off to their destination countries including Singapore.
But Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung feels that the risk is low. He said that a traveller who has left India but stayed in another country before flying to Singapore would not have the same level of risk as someone who came directly from India.
The soon-to-be Health Minister said that anyone staying in one place long enough would assume the risk profile of that place. “I think, as a matter of general infection control knowledge, regardless of your nationality, if you stay in a place long enough, you assume the risk profile of that place,” he said.
“You may be from another country, but once you stay in a new country for a while, you assume a new risk profile.”
“But if your policy is to target risk, then for someone from a high-risk country to move to a lower risk country, stay there for some time, and after that remain non COVID-positive, remain negative, and then come to Singapore … they have lowered the risk in that process,” added Mr Ong.
On Wed (28 Apr), there were already 2 imported cases of Indian nationals travelling to Singapore via Nepal. One is a Work Pass holder while the other a Dependant’s Pass holder.
Meanwhile, India’s COVID-19 infections crossed the 18 million mark yesterday (29 Apr) with almost 380,000 new cases, breaking another world record for new daily infections.
Nepali Times reported last week that Indian nationals employed abroad or who are visiting their families abroad have been using the capital city of Kathmandu as a transit point to places that have imposed a ban on direct flights from India, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
In its article dated 21 Apr, it was stated that nearly 400 Indian workers depart from Kathmandu daily to the two cities, as well as Saudi Arabia and other countries after spending two weeks in hotels in Nepal’s largest city.
Between 1 to 18 Apr, 5,250 Indian nationals had reportedly flown out of Tribhuvan Kathmandu Airport (TIA), according to Nepali Times.
The Indian embassy in Nepal later issued an advisory against Indian nationals transiting to other countries via Nepal due to the restrictions imposed on such travel by Nepal’s Immigration Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The restriction, which took effect on Wednesday (28 Apr) and will continue indefinitely until further notice, does not affect inbound and outbound flights to and from Nepal for travellers making the country their final port of embarkation and disembarkation.
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already banned, announcement made earlier this evening. Maldives off the hook for now, not sure why.
So wat the point?
Reduced number of imported cases.
Singapore to bar visitors from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
FILE PHOTO: Spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Changi Airport in Singapore
FILE PHOTO: People look at a Singapore Airlines plane, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a viewing gallery of the Changi Airport in Singapore October 12, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: Singapore will stop entry or transit for visitors with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force said on Friday (Apr 30).
The ban starts on May 2 and covers all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who have been in the four countries in the last 14 days, including transit.
It will also apply to those who have obtained prior entry approval from Singapore authorities, said co-chair of the task force Lawrence Wong.
Those with recent travel history to the four countries, who are serving a 14-day stay-home notice in Singapore as of May 3, will have this extended by another seven days at dedicated stay-home facilities.
They will also have to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on their arrival, on the 14th day of their stay-home notice, and before the end of their 21-day notice.
These measures come after a “deterioration” in the COVID-19 situation in India, with the infection spreading beyond India to the surrounding countries, said Mr Wong. India is registering more than 300,000 new cases daily.
READ: COVID-19: People 'should limit' social interactions to maximum of 2 a day, says MOH
In addition, all travellers entering Singapore from May 3 with travel history to Thailand in the past 14 days will have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at a dedicated facility. Currently, they are allowed to serve the notice at their place of residence.
They may not opt out of the dedicated facilities, even if they have obtained prior approval.
Thailand is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 cases, reporting about 2,000 new daily cases. The spike has prompted shutdowns in Bangkok and other areas.
Travellers from Fiji and Vietnam can still opt to serve their 14-day stay-home notice at their place of residence if they fulfil two conditions: Travelled to no other country or region in the 14 days prior to entry, and occupy their place of residence alone, or with household members also serving a stay-home notice with the same travel history and duration.
SINGAPORE-HONG KONG TRAVEL BUBBLE
Singapore will maintain its current conditions for suspension of the travel bubble with Hong Kong, said Mr Wong.
He was responding to a question on whether the discovery of a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and heightened community measures would affect the relaunch of the travel bubble, slated for May 26.
READ: Staff placed on leave of absence, 4 wards locked down as Tan Tock Seng Hospital moves to contain cluster
Singapore and Hong Kong said earlier that the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of unlinked community cases in either city increases to above five. It can only resume when the COVID-19 situation has stabilised.
This is the second time both cities are attempting to launch a travel bubble. The launch was originally scheduled for November last year but was deferred after a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
"We just have to be mentally prepared that this is not a situation where new initiatives are rolled out and then they will continue permanently without any potential for disruption, because the situation is so fluid," Mr Wong said.
FILE PHOTO: Spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Changi Airport in Singapore
FILE PHOTO: People look at a Singapore Airlines plane, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at a viewing gallery of the Changi Airport in Singapore October 12, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: Singapore will stop entry or transit for visitors with recent travel history to Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force said on Friday (Apr 30).
The ban starts on May 2 and covers all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who have been in the four countries in the last 14 days, including transit.
It will also apply to those who have obtained prior entry approval from Singapore authorities, said co-chair of the task force Lawrence Wong.
Those with recent travel history to the four countries, who are serving a 14-day stay-home notice in Singapore as of May 3, will have this extended by another seven days at dedicated stay-home facilities.
They will also have to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on their arrival, on the 14th day of their stay-home notice, and before the end of their 21-day notice.
These measures come after a “deterioration” in the COVID-19 situation in India, with the infection spreading beyond India to the surrounding countries, said Mr Wong. India is registering more than 300,000 new cases daily.
READ: COVID-19: People 'should limit' social interactions to maximum of 2 a day, says MOH
In addition, all travellers entering Singapore from May 3 with travel history to Thailand in the past 14 days will have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at a dedicated facility. Currently, they are allowed to serve the notice at their place of residence.
They may not opt out of the dedicated facilities, even if they have obtained prior approval.
Thailand is experiencing a third wave of COVID-19 cases, reporting about 2,000 new daily cases. The spike has prompted shutdowns in Bangkok and other areas.
Travellers from Fiji and Vietnam can still opt to serve their 14-day stay-home notice at their place of residence if they fulfil two conditions: Travelled to no other country or region in the 14 days prior to entry, and occupy their place of residence alone, or with household members also serving a stay-home notice with the same travel history and duration.
SINGAPORE-HONG KONG TRAVEL BUBBLE
Singapore will maintain its current conditions for suspension of the travel bubble with Hong Kong, said Mr Wong.
He was responding to a question on whether the discovery of a cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and heightened community measures would affect the relaunch of the travel bubble, slated for May 26.
READ: Staff placed on leave of absence, 4 wards locked down as Tan Tock Seng Hospital moves to contain cluster
Singapore and Hong Kong said earlier that the bubble would be suspended if the seven-day moving average of unlinked community cases in either city increases to above five. It can only resume when the COVID-19 situation has stabilised.
This is the second time both cities are attempting to launch a travel bubble. The launch was originally scheduled for November last year but was deferred after a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
"We just have to be mentally prepared that this is not a situation where new initiatives are rolled out and then they will continue permanently without any potential for disruption, because the situation is so fluid," Mr Wong said.
Australians who fly home from India during COVID travel ban face up to five years' jail
Posted 2h
ago
A jumbo jet comes in to land.
India has set a global record with a daily average of nearly 350,000 infections for more than a week.(Flickr: David Spinks)
Australians stuck in COVID-ravaged India could face up to five years in jail and heavy fines if they breach a travel ban to return home.
Key points:
The temporary ban on travel from India begins on Monday
It applies to any travellers who have visited India within 14 days of their intended arrival date in Australia
Breaches of the travel ban could lead to up to five years' imprisonment
The temporary ban begins on Monday and applies to any travellers who have visited India within 14 days of their intended arrival date in Australia.
It is understood to be the first time Australia has banned its own citizens from returning, to the point of there being criminal sanctions for those who make it home.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the new measures were due to an "unmanageable" number of arrivals from the country who have tested positive to COVID-19.
Breaches of the travel ban could lead to five years' imprisonment, a $66,000 fine or both.
"However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level."
Greg Hunt looks across to Scott Morrison at a press conference
Health Minister Greg Hunt and Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing an update to Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout at Parliament House in Canberra on April 9.(ABC News: Nick Haggarty)
The so-called "temporary pause" on travel from India will be reviewed on May 15.
The government said the decision was reached following yesterday's National Cabinet meeting, which discussed the Indian situation and the vaccine rollout.
National Cabinet agreed that getting vulnerable Australians home from India as soon as possible after May 15 was the top priority.
Australia has previously agreed to supply ventilators and personal protective equipment to India, to help its strained medical system.
The death toll continues to surge, now past 200,000, but experts believe figures for both deaths and cases are undercounted.
The outbreak had already prompted Australia to suspend all direct and government-organised repatriation flights until mid May.
Why India's actual COVID-19 figures are likely to be much higher
Some Australians, including cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, managed to return via Doha.
The US is also joining the growing list of countries imposing a ban on most travel from India.
The US restrictions will come into force next Tuesday, local time.
Most non-US citizens will be barred from entry, although, unlike Australia, it won't affect permanent residents and some relatives of Americans citizens.
Australian 'families are quite literally dying in India'
Melbourne GP and health commentator Vyom Sharma said the move by the federal government was disproportionate to the threat posed by returning travellers.
"It is incredibly disproportionate to the threat that is posed," Dr Sharma told Weekend Breakfast.
"Of course, different people can have different assessments of risk, and I guess my concern is that the government is so sensitive to the risk that they can't take in this increased load of people coming in."
GP Dr Vyom Sharma hits out at the 'incredibly disproportionate' Indian travel suspension.
Dr Sharma also said the move appears to be inconsistent with responses to earlier outbreaks in Europe and the US.
"What strikes me as also bizarre is that USA back in January was returning to us Australians, in much higher quantities of people, who were testing positive and yet there was no talk of plan banning those flights then," he said.
"We are talking about literal fines and making it illegal for people to come back to Australia from India.
A COVID-19 patient receives oxygen in the back of a car
Medical oxygen supplies are also running low in India, making the need to vaccinate its population even more urgent.(AP: Altaf Qadri)
"Our families are quite literally dying in India overseas. Many people are trying to come back.
"We know that hundreds of people in this situation are classify as medically and financially vulnerable, to have absolutely no way of getting them out — this is abandonment."
Posted 2h
ago
A jumbo jet comes in to land.
India has set a global record with a daily average of nearly 350,000 infections for more than a week.(Flickr: David Spinks)
Australians stuck in COVID-ravaged India could face up to five years in jail and heavy fines if they breach a travel ban to return home.
Key points:
The temporary ban on travel from India begins on Monday
It applies to any travellers who have visited India within 14 days of their intended arrival date in Australia
Breaches of the travel ban could lead to up to five years' imprisonment
The temporary ban begins on Monday and applies to any travellers who have visited India within 14 days of their intended arrival date in Australia.
It is understood to be the first time Australia has banned its own citizens from returning, to the point of there being criminal sanctions for those who make it home.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the new measures were due to an "unmanageable" number of arrivals from the country who have tested positive to COVID-19.
Breaches of the travel ban could lead to five years' imprisonment, a $66,000 fine or both.
"However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level."
Greg Hunt looks across to Scott Morrison at a press conference
Health Minister Greg Hunt and Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing an update to Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout at Parliament House in Canberra on April 9.(ABC News: Nick Haggarty)
The so-called "temporary pause" on travel from India will be reviewed on May 15.
The government said the decision was reached following yesterday's National Cabinet meeting, which discussed the Indian situation and the vaccine rollout.
National Cabinet agreed that getting vulnerable Australians home from India as soon as possible after May 15 was the top priority.
Australia has previously agreed to supply ventilators and personal protective equipment to India, to help its strained medical system.
The death toll continues to surge, now past 200,000, but experts believe figures for both deaths and cases are undercounted.
The outbreak had already prompted Australia to suspend all direct and government-organised repatriation flights until mid May.
Why India's actual COVID-19 figures are likely to be much higher
Some Australians, including cricketers Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, managed to return via Doha.
The US is also joining the growing list of countries imposing a ban on most travel from India.
The US restrictions will come into force next Tuesday, local time.
Most non-US citizens will be barred from entry, although, unlike Australia, it won't affect permanent residents and some relatives of Americans citizens.
Australian 'families are quite literally dying in India'
Melbourne GP and health commentator Vyom Sharma said the move by the federal government was disproportionate to the threat posed by returning travellers.
"It is incredibly disproportionate to the threat that is posed," Dr Sharma told Weekend Breakfast.
"Of course, different people can have different assessments of risk, and I guess my concern is that the government is so sensitive to the risk that they can't take in this increased load of people coming in."
GP Dr Vyom Sharma hits out at the 'incredibly disproportionate' Indian travel suspension.
Dr Sharma also said the move appears to be inconsistent with responses to earlier outbreaks in Europe and the US.
"What strikes me as also bizarre is that USA back in January was returning to us Australians, in much higher quantities of people, who were testing positive and yet there was no talk of plan banning those flights then," he said.
"We are talking about literal fines and making it illegal for people to come back to Australia from India.
A COVID-19 patient receives oxygen in the back of a car
Medical oxygen supplies are also running low in India, making the need to vaccinate its population even more urgent.(AP: Altaf Qadri)
"Our families are quite literally dying in India overseas. Many people are trying to come back.
"We know that hundreds of people in this situation are classify as medically and financially vulnerable, to have absolutely no way of getting them out — this is abandonment."
Biden bans most travel to US from India to limit COVID-19 spread
Virus Outbreak India US
A US Air Force aircraft carrying relief supplies from the United States in the wake of India's COVID-19 prepares to land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport cargo terminal in New Delhi, India, Friday, Apr 30, 2021. (Photo: Prakash Singh/Pool via AP)
01 May 2021 06:17AM
(Updated: 01 May 2021 07:11AM)
Bookmark
WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Apr 30) imposed new travel restrictions on India in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, barring most non-US citizens from entering the United States.
The new restrictions, which take effect at 12:01am ET (0401 GMT) on May 4 , are on the advice of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and were imposed because "the magnitude and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic" in India was "surging", the White House said.
Biden on Friday signed a proclamation implementing the restrictions, which were first reported by Reuters.
The proclamation said India "accounts for over one-third of new global cases" and added that "proactive measures are required to protect the nation's public health from travelers entering the United States" from India.
In January, Biden issued a similar ban on most non-US citizens entering the country who have recently been in South Africa. He also reimposed an entry ban on nearly all non-US travellers who have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in Europe that allow travel across open borders. China and Iran are also both covered by the policy.
READ: Vaccination centres close in Mumbai as India posts another record rise in COVID-19 cases
The policy means most non-US citizens who have been in one of the stated countries within the last 14 days are not eligible to travel to the United States. Permanent US residents and family members and some other non-US citizens, such as students, are exempted.
The decision to impose the latest travel restrictions came about quickly and was only reached in the last 24 hours, sources said.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
Second only to the United States in total infections, India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for nine days in a row, hitting another global record of 386,452 on Friday.
Total deaths have surpassed 200,000 and cases are nearing 19 million - nearly 8 million since February alone - as virulent new strains have combined with "super-spreader" events such as political rallies and religious festivals.
Medical experts say real numbers may be five to 10 times higher than the official tally.
READ: China's Xi offers more help to India in message to Modi amid COVID-19 outbreak
Other countries have imposed similar travel restrictions on India, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Singapore, while Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand have suspended all commercial travel with India.
On Wednesday, the White House said the United States was sending supplies worth more than US$100 million to India to help it fight the COVID-19 surge.
The supplies include oxygen cylinders, N95 masks and rapid diagnostic tests. The United States also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca manufacturing supplies to India, which will allow it to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the White House.
READ: US looks to ramp up oxygen in India COVID-19 aid push
AIR TRAVEL
Nearly all travellers to the United States by air must show proof of a negative coronavirus test or recovery from COVID-19.
In recent weeks, the White House and US agencies have begun holding conversations about how to eventually unwind the policy as vaccination campaigns are rolling out and cases are declining in some countries.
US international air travel remains down 60 per cent from pre-COVID-19 levels, while US domestic air travel is down 40 per cent, according to industry trade group Airlines for America.
US airlines and travel groups have urged the White House to set benchmarks for the eventual loosening of restrictions.
Virus Outbreak India US
A US Air Force aircraft carrying relief supplies from the United States in the wake of India's COVID-19 prepares to land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport cargo terminal in New Delhi, India, Friday, Apr 30, 2021. (Photo: Prakash Singh/Pool via AP)
01 May 2021 06:17AM
(Updated: 01 May 2021 07:11AM)
Bookmark
WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Friday (Apr 30) imposed new travel restrictions on India in light of the COVID-19 epidemic, barring most non-US citizens from entering the United States.
The new restrictions, which take effect at 12:01am ET (0401 GMT) on May 4 , are on the advice of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and were imposed because "the magnitude and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic" in India was "surging", the White House said.
Biden on Friday signed a proclamation implementing the restrictions, which were first reported by Reuters.
The proclamation said India "accounts for over one-third of new global cases" and added that "proactive measures are required to protect the nation's public health from travelers entering the United States" from India.
In January, Biden issued a similar ban on most non-US citizens entering the country who have recently been in South Africa. He also reimposed an entry ban on nearly all non-US travellers who have been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 countries in Europe that allow travel across open borders. China and Iran are also both covered by the policy.
READ: Vaccination centres close in Mumbai as India posts another record rise in COVID-19 cases
The policy means most non-US citizens who have been in one of the stated countries within the last 14 days are not eligible to travel to the United States. Permanent US residents and family members and some other non-US citizens, such as students, are exempted.
The decision to impose the latest travel restrictions came about quickly and was only reached in the last 24 hours, sources said.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.
Second only to the United States in total infections, India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for nine days in a row, hitting another global record of 386,452 on Friday.
Total deaths have surpassed 200,000 and cases are nearing 19 million - nearly 8 million since February alone - as virulent new strains have combined with "super-spreader" events such as political rallies and religious festivals.
Medical experts say real numbers may be five to 10 times higher than the official tally.
READ: China's Xi offers more help to India in message to Modi amid COVID-19 outbreak
Other countries have imposed similar travel restrictions on India, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Singapore, while Canada, Hong Kong and New Zealand have suspended all commercial travel with India.
On Wednesday, the White House said the United States was sending supplies worth more than US$100 million to India to help it fight the COVID-19 surge.
The supplies include oxygen cylinders, N95 masks and rapid diagnostic tests. The United States also has redirected its own order of AstraZeneca manufacturing supplies to India, which will allow it to make over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the White House.
READ: US looks to ramp up oxygen in India COVID-19 aid push
AIR TRAVEL
Nearly all travellers to the United States by air must show proof of a negative coronavirus test or recovery from COVID-19.
In recent weeks, the White House and US agencies have begun holding conversations about how to eventually unwind the policy as vaccination campaigns are rolling out and cases are declining in some countries.
US international air travel remains down 60 per cent from pre-COVID-19 levels, while US domestic air travel is down 40 per cent, according to industry trade group Airlines for America.
US airlines and travel groups have urged the White House to set benchmarks for the eventual loosening of restrictions.
Australians who fly home from India during COVID-19 ban risk jail, hefty fines
Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt this morning confirmed a temporary pause on travellers will come into effect on Monday.
The penalties are being invoked under the Biosecurity Act to stop people coming here from India via other countries such as Singapore or the United Arab Emirates.
Health Ministe Greg Hunt has confirmed Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home. (Chris Hopkins)
Mr Hunt today confirmed the new measures will take effect from Monday.
"The pause will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, May 3, 2021," he said.
"The risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India.
http://www.historychronicle.com/vie...3106a2d342cec7ebc6d75aab8c0cba&obOrigUrl=true
https://counteverypenny.com.au/lp-a...$&conversion_name=cchealthlead&obOrigUrl=true
"Failure to comply with an emergency determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may incur a civil penalty of 300 penalty units, five years' imprisonment, or both."
The act empowers Mr Hunt to do whatever is necessary to stop the spread of a listed disease. Penalties include five years jail or a $66,000 fine.
Mr Hunt said the new measures were due to an "unmanageable" number of arrivals from the country who have tested positive to COVID-19.
"The government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level."
The move was prompted after two people circumvented travel bans from India, returning to Australia via Doha in a loophole that has since been closed.
With over 9000 Australians in India, the Federal Government has indicated they will restart repatriation flights as soon as they can, but with coronavirus rampant in India, that could be months away.
"We have to be able to continue to do two things – protect Australia and bring Australians home," Mr Hunt said earlier this week.
Mr Hunt has said Australians left stranded in India by the federal government's flight ban are a "top priority".
Australia's travel suspension with India, announced earlier this week, had temporarily ended all direct flights from the coronavirus-ravaged nation.
The ban will remain in place until at least May 15 - after which, Mr Hunt said, the aim was to resume repatriation and commercial flights as soon as possible.
The pause on flights had "lifted pressure" on the quarantine system, Mr Hunt said.
Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt this morning confirmed a temporary pause on travellers will come into effect on Monday.
The penalties are being invoked under the Biosecurity Act to stop people coming here from India via other countries such as Singapore or the United Arab Emirates.
Health Ministe Greg Hunt has confirmed Australian citizens in virus-stricken India could face hefty fines up to $66,000 and even jail time if they try to return home. (Chris Hopkins)
Mr Hunt today confirmed the new measures will take effect from Monday.
"The pause will come into effect at 12.01am on Monday, May 3, 2021," he said.
"The risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India.
http://www.historychronicle.com/vie...3106a2d342cec7ebc6d75aab8c0cba&obOrigUrl=true
https://counteverypenny.com.au/lp-a...$&conversion_name=cchealthlead&obOrigUrl=true
"Failure to comply with an emergency determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may incur a civil penalty of 300 penalty units, five years' imprisonment, or both."
The act empowers Mr Hunt to do whatever is necessary to stop the spread of a listed disease. Penalties include five years jail or a $66,000 fine.
Mr Hunt said the new measures were due to an "unmanageable" number of arrivals from the country who have tested positive to COVID-19.
"The government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level."
The move was prompted after two people circumvented travel bans from India, returning to Australia via Doha in a loophole that has since been closed.
With over 9000 Australians in India, the Federal Government has indicated they will restart repatriation flights as soon as they can, but with coronavirus rampant in India, that could be months away.
"We have to be able to continue to do two things – protect Australia and bring Australians home," Mr Hunt said earlier this week.
Mr Hunt has said Australians left stranded in India by the federal government's flight ban are a "top priority".
Australia's travel suspension with India, announced earlier this week, had temporarily ended all direct flights from the coronavirus-ravaged nation.
The ban will remain in place until at least May 15 - after which, Mr Hunt said, the aim was to resume repatriation and commercial flights as soon as possible.
The pause on flights had "lifted pressure" on the quarantine system, Mr Hunt said.
RECKLESS IMPORTING OF FOREIGN WORKERS FROM THE MOST INFECTED COUNTRIES.
CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE PHILIPPINES ON THE LIST....AMONGST A LIST OF OTHER SEVERELY AFFECTED COUNTRIES.
ANYWAY, CECAs CAN STILL BYPASS BY TRAVELLING VIA THE UK, DUBAI, QATAR, AND A HOST OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE THING THAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING BUT NOT DOING IS ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN IN INDIA OR FROM INDIA LIVING THERE IN THE IMMEDIATE SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY BANNED, AND THAT INCLUDES SINGAPORE PRs.
NO BAN IN THE END WHO SUFFERS?
BELIEVE ME, SINGAPORE ECONOMY WILL SUFFER A BIG HIT AGAIN NO MATTER HOW HARD THEY TRY TO HIDE FACTS AND FIGURES.
THE REASON IS BY TRYING TO CON SINGAPOREANS, THEY ACTUALLY ARE ALSO CONNING THE WORLD AT LARGE.
UNLIKE THE 61% IDIOTS HERE, THE WORLD AT LARGE ARE NOT IDIOTS.
TRUST IS GONE. IN MY CASE, TRUST IN THEM IS GONE COMPLETELY.
HOW CAN YOU RUN A COUNTRY WELL WITH ONLY PEOPLE FROM WITHIN A PARTY WHEN VERY MANY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE THE PARTY AND CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SINGAPORE WELL BEING AND FUTURE EVEN BETTER THAN TH CURRENT CLOWNS, BUT ARE NOT AND REFUSE TO BE PART OF THE BROKEN SYSTEM?
CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG BUT I HAVE YET TO SEE PHILIPPINES ON THE LIST....AMONGST A LIST OF OTHER SEVERELY AFFECTED COUNTRIES.
ANYWAY, CECAs CAN STILL BYPASS BY TRAVELLING VIA THE UK, DUBAI, QATAR, AND A HOST OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE THING THAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING BUT NOT DOING IS ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN IN INDIA OR FROM INDIA LIVING THERE IN THE IMMEDIATE SHOULD BE AUTOMATICALLY BANNED, AND THAT INCLUDES SINGAPORE PRs.
NO BAN IN THE END WHO SUFFERS?
BELIEVE ME, SINGAPORE ECONOMY WILL SUFFER A BIG HIT AGAIN NO MATTER HOW HARD THEY TRY TO HIDE FACTS AND FIGURES.
THE REASON IS BY TRYING TO CON SINGAPOREANS, THEY ACTUALLY ARE ALSO CONNING THE WORLD AT LARGE.
UNLIKE THE 61% IDIOTS HERE, THE WORLD AT LARGE ARE NOT IDIOTS.
TRUST IS GONE. IN MY CASE, TRUST IN THEM IS GONE COMPLETELY.
HOW CAN YOU RUN A COUNTRY WELL WITH ONLY PEOPLE FROM WITHIN A PARTY WHEN VERY MANY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE ARE OUTSIDE THE PARTY AND CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SINGAPORE WELL BEING AND FUTURE EVEN BETTER THAN TH CURRENT CLOWNS, BUT ARE NOT AND REFUSE TO BE PART OF THE BROKEN SYSTEM?
61% song with it,CB sg become a rubbish ,going third word even massage women can be PR or citizen, wat u think
Even sell beer at coffee shop also must import foreign talents to do it.....
Your opinions are really quite bad
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