Australia Bans Passenger Flights From India Until 15th May Due To COVID-19 Surge

The Australian Government banned flights to India and from India due to the rising number of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases. 

On the 27th of April, Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said the suspension would remain in place until at least the 15th of May.  He said due to “clearly present” risks of travel from India, leaving thousands of Australians stranded, the imposed ban would be in effect immediately.

The decision of the Australian Government came a week after they announced that it would cut the number of its citizens able to return from India and other red zone countries to contain the risk of more virulent strains of Covid spreading.  In addition, Australia closed its borders to non-citizens and permanent residents last March to prevent the new Novel Coronavirus reaching the country. All returning travellers have to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine at their own expense.

It is to be noted, the quarantine system has largely helped Australia to keep its Covid-19 numbers relatively low, with just under 29,700 cases and 910 deaths.

Meanwhile, India has ordered its armed forces to help tackle the COVID-19 crisis, as nations including Britain, Germany and the United States of America (U.S.A.,)  pledged urgent medical aid to try to contain an emergency overwhelming the country’s hospitals.

India’s new coronavirus cases stayed above 300,000 for a sixth consecutive day on Tuesday.  It reported 2,771 new deaths, but health experts believe the tally is significantly higher.

India is also the second worst COVID-19 hit nation with more than 17 million cases and more than 28 lakh active cases of COVID-19.

Stay tuned for further updates.

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