Omicron threat: Maharashtra demands ban on flights, decrease in gap between vaccine doses

The Maharashtra cabinet discussed that flights from 12 countries of concern for Omicron variant should be banned. The state is likely to propose the same to the Centre.

The Maharashtra cabinet on Monday discussed that flights from 12 countries of concern for the Omicron variant should be banned, said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope. The Maharashtra government is also likely to propose Centre for banning of flights.

Tope said the cabinet expressed concerns about 12 countries. “We may request Centre to stop flights coming from these countries, including South Africa. As of now, we are implementing the protocols suggested by centre on testing and institutional quarantine of travellers from 12 countries. After quarantine, travellers will be tested again,” said Tope.