Since the health crisis began, international travels are hard, and sometimes even impossible. Today, the borders of several countries are still closed to tourists, like in Japan, Morocco, or even Australia. Other countries like the United States and Finland require proof of Covid-19 vaccine. Measures the WHO condemns and finds useless faced with Omicron and the “international spread”.
This past January 19, the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee recommended to “lift or ease international traffic bans as they do not provide added value and continue to contribute to the economic and social stress experienced by States Parties”. According to the Organization, the implementation of these general travel bans is “not effective in suppressing international spread” and “may discourage transparent and rapid reporting of emerging [variants of interest]”.
As for the presentation of a vaccine pass to travel, the Committee recommends to “not require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for international travel as the only pathway or condition permitting international travel given limited global access and inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines”. The WHO urges the States to “consider a risk-based approach to the facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate, in accordance with the WHO guidance”.
This weekend, WHO Europe director Hans Kluge considered the end of the coronavirus epidemic was “plausible” on the old continent because of the Omicron variant.
Omicron: end of the Covid-19 pandemic “plausible” in Europe, WHO said
As the Omicron variant keeps on spreading in the old continent, the WHO considers the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is “plausible” in Europe. [Read more]
Omicron: end of the Covid-19 pandemic “plausible” in Europe, WHO said
