‘Pandemic not over’: India randomly tests visitors after Covid surge in China
- India began randomly testing 2 per cent of international passengers arriving at its airports for Covid, citing an increase in cases in neighbouring China
- Infections have surged in China since it relaxed its harsh restrictions earlier this month following rare public protests
“The global pandemic is not yet over. The virus is changing its face from time to time,” Mandaviya told parliament.
“Considering the coming festival season and New Year, states have been advised to keep up awareness of hand hygiene and the importance of masking,” Mandaviya said.
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The government earlier this week asked India’s states to keep a lookout for any new variants of the coronavirus and urged people to wear masks in crowded areas, following an increase in Covid-19 cases in China and other parts of the globe.
Cases have surged in neighbouring China since it relaxed its harsh restrictions earlier this month following rare public protests.
Mandaviya said the Indian government has no plans yet to halt flights from countries where new cases have been reported.
On Thursday, India’s top doctors’ body, the Indian Medical Association, also appealed to people to wear masks in all public places and get vaccine boosters. It urged people to avoid public gatherings such as weddings, political and social meetings, and international travel.
