Canada is extending a ban on non-essential travel with the United States and the rest of the world until July 21, officials said on Friday, prompting frustration from businesses and US&nbsp;legislators. 
 
Canada is under pressure from companies and the tourism industry to ease the ban, which was imposed in March 2020 to help contain spread of the coronavirus and has been renewed on a monthly basis ever since. 
 
But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood firm, saying the border would stay largely shut until 75% of Canadians had received the first of a two-dose coronavirus vaccine and 20% had been given both shots. 
 
Although Trudeau said Canada had basically achieved the first target, official data released after he spoke showed 73.4% had received their first shot. Only 5.5% of the eligible population has had both shots. 
 
"Even a fully vaccinated individual can pass on COVID-19 to someone, who is not vaccinated," Trudeau told reporters, saying Canada needed to avoid 'any further massive waves'. 
 
The extended border closure comes as the western province of Alberta unveiled plans to fully reopen on July 1, lifting virtually all remaining public health restrictions, after 70% of eligible Albertans received their first vaccination dose. 
 
The travel ban does not affect trade in goods but Statistics Canada said total exports of services in 2020 compared with 2019 fell by 17.7% and imports of services plunged by 24.0%, in part due to the border restrictions. Travel and transportation services were particularly hard hit. 
 
"The inability of the US and Canadian governments to reach an agreement on alleviating border restrictions ... is simply unacceptable," said US&nbsp;Representatives Brian Higgins and Bill Huizenga, co-chairs of the Canada-US&nbsp;Interparliamentary Group. 
 
The United States is Canada's largest trading partner. 
 
Harley Finkelstein, president of Canadian e-commerce company Shopify Inc, tweeted that the extended border closure was the wrong decision. "We need to open the border for fully vaccinated travellers immediately," he wrote. 
 
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce - a national group that advocates for businesses - lamented what it said was Ottawa's excessive caution. 
 
"All of the science would say we should be moving ahead to reopen the border. We don't even have a plan at this point," said Perrin Beatty, the group's president and chief executive. 
 
Ottawa will reveal on Monday how it plans to start easing measures for fully vaccinated Canadians. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Canada is extending a ban on non-essential travel with the United States and the rest of the world until July 21, officials said on Friday, prompting frustration from businesses and US legislators.

Canada is extending a ban on non-essential travel with the United States and the rest of the world until July 21, officials said on Friday, prompting frustration from businesses and US legislators. Canada is under pressure from companies and the tourism industry to ease the ban, which was imposed in March 2020 to help contain spread of the coronavirus and has been renewed on a monthly basis ever since. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood firm, saying the border would stay largely shut until 75% of Canadians had received the first of a two-dose coronavirus vaccine and 20% had been given both shots. Although Trudeau said Canada had basically achieved the first target, official data released after he spoke showed 73.4% had received their first shot. Only 5.5% of the eligible population has had both shots. "Even a fully vaccinated individual can pass on COVID-19 to someone, who is not vaccinated," Trudeau told reporters, saying Canada needed to avoid 'any further massive waves'. The extended border closure comes as the western province of Alberta unveiled plans to fully reopen on July 1, lifting virtually all remaining public health restrictions, after 70% of eligible Albertans received their first vaccination dose. The travel ban does not affect trade in goods but Statistics Canada said total exports of services in 2020 compared with 2019 fell by 17.7% and imports of services plunged by 24.0%, in part due to the border restrictions. Travel and transportation services were particularly hard hit. "The inability of the US and Canadian governments to reach an agreement on alleviating border restrictions ... is simply unacceptable," said US Representatives Brian Higgins and Bill Huizenga, co-chairs of the Canada-US Interparliamentary Group. The United States is Canada's largest trading partner. Harley Finkelstein, president of Canadian e-commerce company Shopify Inc, tweeted that the extended border closure was the wrong decision. "We need to open the border for fully vaccinated travellers immediately," he wrote. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce - a national group that advocates for businesses - lamented what it said was Ottawa's excessive caution. "All of the science would say we should be moving ahead to reopen the border. We don't even have a plan at this point," said Perrin Beatty, the group's president and chief executive. Ottawa will reveal on Monday how it plans to start easing measures for fully vaccinated Canadians. (With inputs from agencies)

Businesses, US legislators fume as Canada extends travel ban; Trudeau stands firm

Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced the lifting of its temporary travel ban on inbound travellers from June 1, except for passengers who spent time in India during the last 14 days.

All incoming flights, however, will be limited to a maximum of 75 passengers and they will be subjected to a 14 day quarantine period.

"Any passenger with a travel history to India including transit in the past 14 days will not be permitted to arrive," the civil aviation office said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vaccines-can-be-redesigned-to-avoid-blood-clots-german-scientists-claim-387671">Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim</a>

Foreign nationals, seafarers, businessmen, investors and others are required to obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter the island along with the entry visa.

A negative PCR test must be taken by all categories of travellers before departure point of origin as per airline or country requirements. And all passengers must adhere to the paid quarantine procedure.&nbsp;The Colombo airport was acting as a transit hub for Indians travelling to West Asia, but the facility was withdrawn in early May due to the current surge in the pandemic.

Before the current wave, Sri Lanka and India were making arrangements for a tourism travel bubble.

India remained Sri Lanka's top inbound travel market before the onset of the pandemic.

Sri Lanka has reported 1.7 lakh COVID-19 cases so far with 1,269 deaths.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced the lifting of its temporary travel ban on inbound travellers from June 1, except for passengers who spent time in India during the last 14 days.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced the lifting of its temporary travel ban on inbound travellers from June 1, except for passengers who spent time in India during the last 14 days. All incoming flights, however, will be limited to a maximum of 75 passengers and they will be subjected to a 14 day quarantine period. "Any passenger with a travel history to India including transit in the past 14 days will not be permitted to arrive," the civil aviation office said in a statement. Also read | Vaccines can be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim Foreign nationals, seafarers, businessmen, investors and others are required to obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter the island along with the entry visa. A negative PCR test must be taken by all categories of travellers before departure point of origin as per airline or country requirements. And all passengers must adhere to the paid quarantine procedure. The Colombo airport was acting as a transit hub for Indians travelling to West Asia, but the facility was withdrawn in early May due to the current surge in the pandemic. Before the current wave, Sri Lanka and India were making arrangements for a tourism travel bubble. India remained Sri Lanka's top inbound travel market before the onset of the pandemic. Sri Lanka has reported 1.7 lakh COVID-19 cases so far with 1,269 deaths.

Sri Lanka lifts travel ban but restrictions on those who've been to India remain

Australia&nbsp;carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;its&nbsp;first&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;after&nbsp;temporarily&nbsp;banning all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;from&nbsp;the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday&nbsp;from&nbsp;New Delhi.

Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas&nbsp;flight&nbsp;and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded">COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded</a>

The&nbsp;Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to and&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism&nbsp;from&nbsp;lawmakers, expatriates and the&nbsp;Indian diaspora.

A total of 70 passengers were barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;boarding the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;after&nbsp;they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky">Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky</a>

"We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect&nbsp;Australians here and I'm pleased that that&nbsp;first&nbsp;flight&nbsp;has arrived, and obviously there will be more&nbsp;flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing.

"It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to&nbsp;Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow."

Two more Royal&nbsp;Australian Air Force&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about&nbsp;1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About&nbsp;9,000&nbsp;Australians in&nbsp;India&nbsp;have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home.

The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks&nbsp;from&nbsp;June.

India&nbsp;has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without&nbsp;hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment.

By contrast,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi. Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas flight and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine. Also read- COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded The Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all travel to and from India last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism from lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. A total of 70 passengers were barred from boarding the flight on Friday after they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read- Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky "We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect Australians here and I'm pleased that that first flight has arrived, and obviously there will be more flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing. "It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow." Two more Royal Australian Air Force repatriation flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about 1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About 9,000 Australians in India have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home. The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks from June. India has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment. By contrast, Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban

In a bid to keep citizens safe and assure the country stays coronavirus free, Australia might keep its international borders shut till late 2022.

Saying it would be "very hard to determine" when the Australian borders would reopen to international travellers, Australia's trade and tourism minister&nbsp;Dan Tehan, on Friday, said, "the best guess would be in the middle to the second half of next year".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-to-send-repatriation-flights-for-stranded-citizens-in-india-383399" hreflang="en">Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India</a>

On average, nearly one million short-term visitors used to enter the country in a month before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. However, the figure has now been reduced to 7,000.

People who will be allowed to enter the country, under selected situations, will be asked to go through a compulsory hotel quarantine for 14 days.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-cases-spike-heres-a-list-of-countries-that-have-banned-travellers-from-india-381082" hreflang="en">As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India</a>

Tehan also jumped to the rescue of the Prime Minister’s decision of a blanket ban on travellers coming from India and said such a ban is still essential to make sure the country stays covid-free. However, after facing immense backlash on the strict penalties, Morrison has decided to start repatriation flights from May 15, for people stuck in India during the covid crisis.

He also talked about the recently-established travel bubble with the neighbouring country, New Zealand, which has received mixed responses from locals.

"The hope would be that we might be able to see a few more bubbles set up and we'd be able to see more travel undertaken, but we're in a pandemic," he said. "It's going to very much depend on how we are able to deal with the global pandemic."

Australia is also hoping to pace up the vaccination programme as only 2.5 million coronavirus vaccines have been administered will now, in a population of 25 million.

In a bid to keep citizens safe and assure the country stays coronavirus free, Australia might keep its international borders shut till late 2022. Saying it would be "very hard to determine" when the Australian borders would reopen to international travellers, Australia's trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan, on Friday, said, "the best guess would be in the middle to the second half of next year".

In a bid to keep citizens safe and assure the country stays coronavirus free, Australia might keep its international borders shut till late 2022. Saying it would be "very hard to determine" when the Australian borders would reopen to international travellers, Australia's trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan, on Friday, said, "the best guess would be in the middle to the second half of next year". Also read | Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India On average, nearly one million short-term visitors used to enter the country in a month before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. However, the figure has now been reduced to 7,000. People who will be allowed to enter the country, under selected situations, will be asked to go through a compulsory hotel quarantine for 14 days. Have a look | As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India Tehan also jumped to the rescue of the Prime Minister’s decision of a blanket ban on travellers coming from India and said such a ban is still essential to make sure the country stays covid-free. However, after facing immense backlash on the strict penalties, Morrison has decided to start repatriation flights from May 15, for people stuck in India during the covid crisis. He also talked about the recently-established travel bubble with the neighbouring country, New Zealand, which has received mixed responses from locals. "The hope would be that we might be able to see a few more bubbles set up and we'd be able to see more travel undertaken, but we're in a pandemic," he said. "It's going to very much depend on how we are able to deal with the global pandemic." Australia is also hoping to pace up the vaccination programme as only 2.5 million coronavirus vaccines have been administered will now, in a population of 25 million.

Australia likely to keep borders shut till 2022 end: Minister

Australia's COVID-19 travel ban has now been challenged in a federal court by a 73-year-old citizen who has been stranded in Bengaluru, India. The Morrison government is resisting growing pressure to lift the travel ban imposed last week until May 15.

Australian citizen sues Morrison govt over Indian flight ban

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that it is 'highly unlikely' that anyone will be jailed for returning to Australia from India under the country’s harsh biosecurity laws, as he resists calls from the peak medical association for the penalties to be dropped.

Scott Morrison says it is ‘highly unlikely’ Australians returning from India will be jailed

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India.

A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/73-yr-old-australian-stuck-in-bengaluru-sues-morrison-govt-for-ban-on-flights-from-india-382952">73-yr-old Australian stuck in Bengaluru sues Morrison govt for ban on flights from India </a>&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week banned arrivals from India, which is recording hundreds of thousands of new coronavirus infections each day.

Under the measures, Australian citizens who return home face jail time and heavy fines.

The move has caused widespread outrage, with Morrison's own allies describing it as racist and an abandonment of vulnerable Australians overseas.

The conservative government has argued the ban is necessary to prevent&nbsp;Australia's quarantine facilities from being overwhelmed with Covid-positive arrivals.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scott-morrison-says-it-is-highly-unlikely-australians-returning-from-india-will-be-jailed-382845/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Christopher Ward, the lawyer representing the 73-year-old man, said his client was challenging the ban on several grounds of constitutionality, "proportionality and reasonableness".&nbsp;

Justice Stephen Burley ordered that a further hearing date would be set in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Australia&nbsp;has no widespread community transmission of COVID-19&nbsp;but has seen several outbreaks emerge from hotel quarantine facilities, causing disruptive city lockdowns.

There are estimated to be around 9,000 Australian citizens in India, including high-profile cricketers playing the now-suspended Indian Premier League.

Morrison on Tuesday refused to amend the ban but insisted it was "highly unlikely" the punishment would ever be meted out.&nbsp;

The ban is currently scheduled to run until May 15.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-accuses-australia-of-violating-human-rights-over-india-travel-ban-382933">UN accuses Australia of violating human rights over India travel ban</a>

Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck predicted it would be difficult for the challenge to succeed, and even a temporary injunction is unlikely.

"The Australian constitution doesn't set out very many rights that individuals have," he told AFP, adding that there is no explicit right to return home.

The challenge may be trying to convince the court that the measures are disproportionate to the threat, but "judges tend to side with the government's public health expert", he said.

"It's quite unlikely that this challenge will succeed."

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India. A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return.

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India. A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return. Also read | 73-yr-old Australian stuck in Bengaluru sues Morrison govt for ban on flights from India Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week banned arrivals from India, which is recording hundreds of thousands of new coronavirus infections each day. Under the measures, Australian citizens who return home face jail time and heavy fines. The move has caused widespread outrage, with Morrison's own allies describing it as racist and an abandonment of vulnerable Australians overseas. The conservative government has argued the ban is necessary to prevent Australia's quarantine facilities from being overwhelmed with Covid-positive arrivals. Christopher Ward, the lawyer representing the 73-year-old man, said his client was challenging the ban on several grounds of constitutionality, "proportionality and reasonableness". Justice Stephen Burley ordered that a further hearing date would be set in the next 24 to 48 hours. Australia has no widespread community transmission of COVID-19 but has seen several outbreaks emerge from hotel quarantine facilities, causing disruptive city lockdowns. There are estimated to be around 9,000 Australian citizens in India, including high-profile cricketers playing the now-suspended Indian Premier League. Morrison on Tuesday refused to amend the ban but insisted it was "highly unlikely" the punishment would ever be meted out. The ban is currently scheduled to run until May 15. Also read | UN accuses Australia of violating human rights over India travel ban Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck predicted it would be difficult for the challenge to succeed, and even a temporary injunction is unlikely. "The Australian constitution doesn't set out very many rights that individuals have," he told AFP, adding that there is no explicit right to return home. The challenge may be trying to convince the court that the measures are disproportionate to the threat, but "judges tend to side with the government's public health expert", he said. "It's quite unlikely that this challenge will succeed."

Australian court to examine contentious India travel ban

&nbsp;A little after Australia announced a A$66,000 fine or a five-year-long jail term for anyone entering the country from India, UN human rights have raised “serious concerns” about the effect of this decision on human rights.

The UN high commissioner for human rights has questioned the Scott Morrison government if the penalty is consistent with Australia’s human rights obligations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-morrison-retreats-from-threat-to-jail-australians-escaping-covid-wracked-india-382685">PM Morrison retreats from threat to jail Australians escaping Covid-wracked India</a>

"We have serious concerns about whether the Biosecurity Determination – and the severe penalties which can be imposed for its breach – meets Australia’s human rights obligations," Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the office said. "In particular, article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is binding on Australia, provides that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country."

This decision is stopping nearly 9,000 people from entering Australian borders after returning from India and will be reconsidered now as the government was heavily criticised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cameroonian-womans-plea-of-help-goes-viral-382824">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-cameroonian-womans-plea-of-help-goes-viral-382824/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has retreated from the decision and has claimed that nobody will be going to jail under this punishment. He also stressed that the decision has been taken to make sure all Australians stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision is due for reconsideration on May 15.

"Obviously, there needs to be a hardline taken as far as the overall act being in place, but nobody’s going to be jailed ... at this time," the deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said. "The prime minister made it clear."

"We have taken this pause. We have made it in the national interests. We have done it, based on the best possible medical advice. It’s until May 15. We review it constantly, as you’d expect us to do,"&nbsp;he added.

A little after Australia announced a A$66,000 fine or a five-year-long jail term for anyone entering the country from India, UN human rights have raised “serious concerns” about the effect of this decision on human rights.

A little after Australia announced a A$66,000 fine or a five-year-long jail term for anyone entering the country from India, UN human rights have raised “serious concerns” about the effect of this decision on human rights. The UN high commissioner for human rights has questioned the Scott Morrison government if the penalty is consistent with Australia’s human rights obligations. Also read | PM Morrison retreats from threat to jail Australians escaping Covid-wracked India "We have serious concerns about whether the Biosecurity Determination – and the severe penalties which can be imposed for its breach – meets Australia’s human rights obligations," Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the office said. "In particular, article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is binding on Australia, provides that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country." This decision is stopping nearly 9,000 people from entering Australian borders after returning from India and will be reconsidered now as the government was heavily criticised. Watch | However, the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has retreated from the decision and has claimed that nobody will be going to jail under this punishment. He also stressed that the decision has been taken to make sure all Australians stay safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. The decision is due for reconsideration on May 15. "Obviously, there needs to be a hardline taken as far as the overall act being in place, but nobody’s going to be jailed ... at this time," the deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said. "The prime minister made it clear." "We have taken this pause. We have made it in the national interests. We have done it, based on the best possible medical advice. It’s until May 15. We review it constantly, as you’d expect us to do," he added.

UN accuses Australia of violating human rights over India travel ban

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India.

Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.&nbsp;

"I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said.

Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home.

The decision has&nbsp;been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home.

Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace".

"Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect
— Michael Slater (@mj_slats) <a href="https://twitter.com/mj_slats/status/1389147322425110541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd".&nbsp;

"The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said.

"I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15.

The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism".

Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world.&nbsp;

There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured.

Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.

But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community.&nbsp;

The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory.

But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism.

Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them. "I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said. Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home. The decision has been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home. Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace". "Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home." If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect — Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021 × Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd". "The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said. "I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15. The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism". Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world. There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured. Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community. The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory. But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism. Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Morrison retreats from threat to jail Australians escaping Covid-wracked India

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.&nbsp;

Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers.

From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15.

"The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said.

Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems"

Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian.

Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision. Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers. From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15. "The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said. Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems" Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian. Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia: Decision to ban travel from India may be challenged legally

As cases spike, here's a list of countries that have banned travellers from India

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.&nbsp;

Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter,&nbsp;he had signed an order barring foreign&nbsp;travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country.&nbsp;

India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day.&nbsp;

Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab.&nbsp;"Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot.&nbsp;

"We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination&nbsp;programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group.&nbsp;

Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added.&nbsp;

As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’,&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival.&nbsp;

Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections. Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter, he had signed an order barring foreign travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country. India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day. Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said. Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab. "Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said. Earlier, Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot. "We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group. Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added. As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’, travellers will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy imposes travel ban from India over COVID-19 variant 

Germany will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Saturday, as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot.

"We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Germany pulls virus 'emergency brake' but not all on board">Germany pulls virus 'emergency brake' but not all on board</a>

From Monday, only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added.

As Spahn plans to designate India a "virus variant zone", travellers will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival.

Berlin had already dubbed India a "zone with particularly high risk of infection" with effect from Sunday.

Germany is the latest of several countries to restrict travel from India over the new variant, following Canada, Britain and Kuwait.

On Saturday, India reported a record daily number of deaths from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, while the government is struggling to provide enough oxygen to overwhelmed hospitals.

A total of almost 190,000 people have died of coronavirus in India according to official figures.

Germany will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Saturday, as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot.

Germany will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Saturday, as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot. "We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group. Also read | Germany pulls virus 'emergency brake' but not all on board From Monday, only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added. As Spahn plans to designate India a "virus variant zone", travellers will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Berlin had already dubbed India a "zone with particularly high risk of infection" with effect from Sunday. Germany is the latest of several countries to restrict travel from India over the new variant, following Canada, Britain and Kuwait. On Saturday, India reported a record daily number of deaths from COVID-19, while the government is struggling to provide enough oxygen to overwhelmed hospitals. A total of almost 190,000 people have died of coronavirus in India according to official figures.

Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India

Former US president Donald Trump has urged his successor Joe Biden to reinstate the travel ban on certain Muslim countries in order to keep the country safe from radical Islamic terrorism. &nbsp;

"If Joe Biden wants to keep our country safe from radical Islamic terrorism, he should reinstitute the foreign country travel ban and all of the vetting requirements on those seeking admission that go with it, along with the refugee restrictions I successfully put in place," Trump said in a statement on Monday. &nbsp;

"Terrorists operate all over the world and recruit online. To keep terrorism and extremism out of our country, we need to have smart, commonsense rules in place so we don't repeat the many immigration mistakes made by Europe and the USA prior to ‘Trump'," said the former US president. &nbsp;

Trump had imposed a ban on travel from several Muslim-majority countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. However, Biden lifted the ban after assuming office. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump has urged his successor Joe Biden to reinstate the travel ban on certain Muslim countries in order to keep the country safe from radical Islamic terrorism.

Former US president Donald Trump has urged his successor Joe Biden to reinstate the travel ban on certain Muslim countries in order to keep the country safe from radical Islamic terrorism. "If Joe Biden wants to keep our country safe from radical Islamic terrorism, he should reinstitute the foreign country travel ban and all of the vetting requirements on those seeking admission that go with it, along with the refugee restrictions I successfully put in place," Trump said in a statement on Monday. "Terrorists operate all over the world and recruit online. To keep terrorism and extremism out of our country, we need to have smart, commonsense rules in place so we don't repeat the many immigration mistakes made by Europe and the USA prior to ‘Trump'," said the former US president. Trump had imposed a ban on travel from several Muslim-majority countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. However, Biden lifted the ban after assuming office. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump asks Biden to reinstate travel ban, to keep US safe from radical Islamic terrorism

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory".

The French football league (LFP) announced this week that its clubs will bar non-European players for playing for their country later this month to avoid possible quarantine on their return.

In a letter sent Thursday to the French Football Federation (FFF), the Senegalese FA said the West African state's national squad could be deprived of 12 players currently at French clubs.

Senegal are due to face the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on March 26, and Eswatini in the Senegalese city of Thies on March 30.

"It seems appropriate to us to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure," the letter said, referring to the ban, highlighting FIFA rules as well as EU labour law.&nbsp;

FIFA loosened rules obliging clubs to release players for international matches after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Under these relaxed rules, France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs banned players from leaving to play outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EAA), which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.&nbsp;

France's trip to Kazakhstan for a World Cup qualifier is not affected by the decision.

However, the Senegalese federation said that it is "by no means established" that French clubs had tried to obtain exemptions that could have spared players from being forced to quarantine on their return from international duty.

It said that French federation should take "all appropriate measures" to release players needed for Senegal's national team.&nbsp;

Among the players named in Aliou Cisse's 26-man squad were Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, Monaco's Fode Ballo-Toure and Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo.

Senegal finished runners-up to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and have already qualified for next year's finals, delayed by a year due to the pandemic.

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory".

Senegal's football federation has called on its French-based players to be released for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, calling the league's ban on internationals travelling outside the European Union "discriminatory". The French football league (LFP) announced this week that its clubs will bar non-European players for playing for their country later this month to avoid possible quarantine on their return. In a letter sent Thursday to the French Football Federation (FFF), the Senegalese FA said the West African state's national squad could be deprived of 12 players currently at French clubs. Senegal are due to face the Republic of Congo in Brazzaville on March 26, and Eswatini in the Senegalese city of Thies on March 30. "It seems appropriate to us to highlight the totally discriminatory nature of this measure," the letter said, referring to the ban, highlighting FIFA rules as well as EU labour law. FIFA loosened rules obliging clubs to release players for international matches after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under these relaxed rules, France's Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 clubs banned players from leaving to play outside the European Union and European Economic Area (EAA), which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. France's trip to Kazakhstan for a World Cup qualifier is not affected by the decision. However, the Senegalese federation said that it is "by no means established" that French clubs had tried to obtain exemptions that could have spared players from being forced to quarantine on their return from international duty. It said that French federation should take "all appropriate measures" to release players needed for Senegal's national team. Among the players named in Aliou Cisse's 26-man squad were Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis, Monaco's Fode Ballo-Toure and Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo. Senegal finished runners-up to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and have already qualified for next year's finals, delayed by a year due to the pandemic.

Senegalese FA protests French travel ban for players

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city.&nbsp;

A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident&nbsp;or not from leaving the region.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-goes-after-the-young-minds-of-hong-kong-361673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is particularly troubling that the grounds on which such an intrusive power may be exercised are not stated in the proposed legislation, and no explanation for why such a power is&nbsp;necessary, or even how it is intended to be used, is set out," the association said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-tells-hong-kongers-to-keep-faith-in-democracy-362701">Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy'</a>

Hong Kong city's government proposed amending a law in late January that will give rights to the director of immigration to impose a travel ban on any individual without seeking&nbsp;permission from the court.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The bar association said if travel curbs need to be taken, the courts must decide it, and not the director when it is "proportionate" and "necessary".&nbsp;

"If a new power to prevent Hong Kong residents and others from leaving the region is to be conferred... It should be for the courts, not the director, to decide when it is necessary and&nbsp;proportionate to impose a travel ban," the HKBA said.&nbsp;

After the imposition of a new security law by China last June, several pro-democracy activists and leaders have gone into exile from the region as China continues its muscular&nbsp;approach.

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city. A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident or not from leaving the region.

Hong Kong's lawyers have expressed concern over a government proposal which if approved could bar anyone from leaving the city. A paper has been submitted by the Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) to the legislative council on Friday expressing alarm over the law that can prevent anyone, Hong Kong resident or not from leaving the region. Watch | "It is particularly troubling that the grounds on which such an intrusive power may be exercised are not stated in the proposed legislation, and no explanation for why such a power is necessary, or even how it is intended to be used, is set out," the association said. Also read | Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tells Hong Kongers to 'keep faith in democracy' Hong Kong city's government proposed amending a law in late January that will give rights to the director of immigration to impose a travel ban on any individual without seeking permission from the court. The bar association said if travel curbs need to be taken, the courts must decide it, and not the director when it is "proportionate" and "necessary". "If a new power to prevent Hong Kong residents and others from leaving the region is to be conferred... It should be for the courts, not the director, to decide when it is necessary and proportionate to impose a travel ban," the HKBA said. After the imposition of a new security law by China last June, several pro-democracy activists and leaders have gone into exile from the region as China continues its muscular approach.

Hong Kong lawyers express concern over proposed law that can impose travel ban on anyone

&nbsp;As European governments imposed travel ban on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plenty-of-food-uk-trucks-stranded-along-french-border-as-new-coronavirus-strain-leads-to-border-closure-351629">United Kingdom </a>after the announcement of new strain of coronavirus, the European Union urged member states to lift the restrictions.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-scrambles-to-maintain-supply-chains-due-to-travel-ban-amid-virus-concerns-351592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions," the EU said.

British PM Boris Johnson spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron to lift the&nbsp;ban on freight&nbsp;as trucks piled up in hundreds of miles of rows on the French-UK border.

PM Johnson had declared on Saturday that new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-more-transmissible-pm-johnson-puts-london-southeast-england-on-tier-4-lockdown-351052">strain</a> of coronavirus was "70 per cent more transmissible" as EU nations moved to ban travel to the country amid the faltering Brexit talks. There were reports of testing of truckers stranded at the border as France and Britain moved to break the deadlock at the border.

The United Kingdom is just nine days away from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brinkmanship-or-bluster-on-brexit-and-pandemic-boris-johnson-leaves-it-late-351479">Brexit </a>when it officially breaks from the EU on December 31 as British officials scamble to strike a last-minute deal. However, the discovery of the new virus strain has led to further problems for the UK already reeling under in a lockdown.

British shoppers meanwhile stripped shelves in some supermarkets of toilet roll, turkey, bread and vegetables as a food crisis loomed, even as UK government officials said there was no possibility of a food shortage.

UK supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury's had earlier warned that food supplies would be affected if disruption at the border continued.

France had decided to impose a blanket ban on UK arrivals on Monday for 48 hours over the new strain of the virus even as EU countries instituted flight and train bans and Germany extended its ban until January 6, 2021.

Ireland on Tuesday also extended its air travel ban on travellers arriving from Britain to December 31 to curb the spread of the variant of coronavirus.

As European governments imposed travel ban on the United Kingdom after the announcement of new strain of coronavirus, the European Union urged member states to lift the restrictions.

As European governments imposed travel ban on the United Kingdom after the announcement of new strain of coronavirus, the European Union urged member states to lift the restrictions. Watch: "Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions," the EU said. British PM Boris Johnson spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron to lift the ban on freight as trucks piled up in hundreds of miles of rows on the French-UK border. PM Johnson had declared on Saturday that new strain of coronavirus was "70 per cent more transmissible" as EU nations moved to ban travel to the country amid the faltering Brexit talks. There were reports of testing of truckers stranded at the border as France and Britain moved to break the deadlock at the border. The United Kingdom is just nine days away from Brexit when it officially breaks from the EU on December 31 as British officials scamble to strike a last-minute deal. However, the discovery of the new virus strain has led to further problems for the UK already reeling under in a lockdown. British shoppers meanwhile stripped shelves in some supermarkets of toilet roll, turkey, bread and vegetables as a food crisis loomed, even as UK government officials said there was no possibility of a food shortage. UK supermarkets Tesco and Sainsbury's had earlier warned that food supplies would be affected if disruption at the border continued. France had decided to impose a blanket ban on UK arrivals on Monday for 48 hours over the new strain of the virus even as EU countries instituted flight and train bans and Germany extended its ban until January 6, 2021. Ireland on Tuesday also extended its air travel ban on travellers arriving from Britain to December 31 to curb the spread of the variant of coronavirus.

UK travel bans should be discontinued to avoid supply chain disruptions: EU

If you are planning to fly back home from Australia's Qantas Airways in the year 2021, then we would suggest scheduling your flight after a vaccine shot as the airways has decided to not let people board the flight if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Australia's Qantas Airways has become the first major airlines to declare plans of making vaccine shot compulsory for any passengers hoping to use their facilities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-authorities-identify-mother-who-dumped-her-baby-in-airport-scandal-344951">Qatar authorities identify mother who dumped her baby in airport scandal</a>

"We are looking at changing our terms and conditions to say for international travellers that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft," Qantas CEO Alon Joyce told the local media.

He also added that, for now, the decision is being considered strictly for international flyers.&nbsp;"Whether you need that domestically, we will have to see what happens with Covid-19 in the market but certainly, for international visitors coming out (to Australia) and people leaving the country, we think that is a necessity."

The airlines also believe that the rule will become a common practice soon once the COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out by the medical experts. They believe this is important for the safety of the passengers and the staff.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasal-spray-that-aims-to-fight-covid-19-other-respiratory-illness-gets-million-dollar-funding-344698">Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding</a>

Meanwhile, other regional airlines such as&nbsp;Korean Air have hinted towards a possibility, but have confirmed that there is no confirmation on the plan yet as the vaccines are still in the development phase in various countries. "We don't have any concrete plans to announce at this point on the vaccine as it is still in development and will take time to distribute," a Korean Air representative told AFP.

Japan Airlines, on the other hand, has denied any such plans but is urging passengers to follow all safety and health regulations including social distancing, temperature checks and compulsory masks.

The&nbsp;International Air Transport Association (IATA), meanwhile, is planning to launch a digital health pass that can record the COVID-19 vaccinations and tests in the future. The association is in the final stages of developing the pass and is hoping to launch it soon. "We are bringing this to market in the coming months to also meet the needs of the various travel bubbles and public health corridors that are starting operation," said&nbsp;IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

If you are planning to fly back home from Australia's Qantas Airways in the year 2021, then we would suggest scheduling your flight after a vaccine shot as the airways has decided to not let people board the flight if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

If you are planning to fly back home from Australia's Qantas Airways in the year 2021, then we would suggest scheduling your flight after a vaccine shot as the airways has decided to not let people board the flight if they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Australia's Qantas Airways has become the first major airlines to declare plans of making vaccine shot compulsory for any passengers hoping to use their facilities. Also read| Qatar authorities identify mother who dumped her baby in airport scandal "We are looking at changing our terms and conditions to say for international travellers that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft," Qantas CEO Alon Joyce told the local media. He also added that, for now, the decision is being considered strictly for international flyers. "Whether you need that domestically, we will have to see what happens with Covid-19 in the market but certainly, for international visitors coming out (to Australia) and people leaving the country, we think that is a necessity." The airlines also believe that the rule will become a common practice soon once the COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out by the medical experts. They believe this is important for the safety of the passengers and the staff. Also read| Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding Meanwhile, other regional airlines such as Korean Air have hinted towards a possibility, but have confirmed that there is no confirmation on the plan yet as the vaccines are still in the development phase in various countries. "We don't have any concrete plans to announce at this point on the vaccine as it is still in development and will take time to distribute," a Korean Air representative told AFP. Japan Airlines, on the other hand, has denied any such plans but is urging passengers to follow all safety and health regulations including social distancing, temperature checks and compulsory masks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), meanwhile, is planning to launch a digital health pass that can record the COVID-19 vaccinations and tests in the future. The association is in the final stages of developing the pass and is hoping to launch it soon. "We are bringing this to market in the coming months to also meet the needs of the various travel bubbles and public health corridors that are starting operation," said IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.

No fly list: Qantas Airways makes COVID vaccine necessary for international flights

Happy to have you back: Countries offering incentives to lure travellers

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise.

Apart from India, the banned countries include Brazil and Argentina too, which has been seeing a sharp spur in the daily coronavirus cases.

According to the country's Civil Aviation Authority, people with travel history to any of the mentioned countries 14 days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom, have also been barred.

"Suspending travel to and from the following countries (India, Brazil, and Argentina) including any person who has been in any of the mentioned countries in the last (14) days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom," General Authority of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

However, those who have official government invitations are excluded. According to the Johns Hopkins University, there are 330,798 COVID-19 cases in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday temporarily suspended flights to and from India as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as the number of cases in the region continued to rise. Apart from India, the banned countries include Brazil and Argentina too, which has been seeing a sharp spur in the daily coronavirus cases. According to the country's Civil Aviation Authority, people with travel history to any of the mentioned countries 14 days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom, have also been barred. "Suspending travel to and from the following countries (India, Brazil, and Argentina) including any person who has been in any of the mentioned countries in the last (14) days prior to their arrival to the Kingdom," General Authority of Civil Aviation said in a statement. However, those who have official government invitations are excluded. According to the Johns Hopkins University, there are 330,798 COVID-19 cases in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia suspends travel to and from India, two other countries as COVID-19 cases surge

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow.

It said travellers from Russia will have to observe a 10-day quarantine on arrival, according to the news agency.

Earlier on Saturday, a Russian government coronavirus response centre said flights between Moscow and Geneva would initially be weekly, without a disclaimer about restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-concerned-about-proper-testing-for-covid-19-vaccines-by-russia-and-china-317384">Also read:&nbsp;Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China</a>

Russia, which operated repatriation flights during the coronavirus lockdown, resumed some scheduled international flights on Saturday, to Britain, Turkey and Tanzania.

International flights were grounded on March 30 after the lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 845,000 people in Russia so far, with over 14,000 deaths.

Russia announced a partial reopening of its borders in June allowing people to travel abroad for work, study, medical treatment or to look after relatives.

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow.

Flights from Moscow to Geneva will resume from Aug. 15 for passengers with residence permits in Switzerland, the TASS news agency reported on Saturday, citing the Swiss embassy in Moscow. It said travellers from Russia will have to observe a 10-day quarantine on arrival, according to the news agency. Earlier on Saturday, a Russian government coronavirus response centre said flights between Moscow and Geneva would initially be weekly, without a disclaimer about restrictions. Also read: Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China Russia, which operated repatriation flights during the coronavirus lockdown, resumed some scheduled international flights on Saturday, to Britain, Turkey and Tanzania. International flights were grounded on March 30 after the lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, which has infected more than 845,000 people in Russia so far, with over 14,000 deaths. Russia announced a partial reopening of its borders in June allowing people to travel abroad for work, study, medical treatment or to look after relatives.

Russia to partially resume flights to Geneva from August 15

The world had been enjoying great freedom of movement, allowing people to travel from one country to another with little formalities to be done. And then came the travel bans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A new ranking of passports has hence found that US citizens have had their freedoms severely curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, US passports have access to 158 countries, 27 less than before coronavirus and largely due to the EU's decision to temporarily ban travellers from the US.

Japan is top of the leaderboard, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations around the world.

Singapore is in second place (with a score of 190) and South Korea ties with Germany in third place (with a score of 189).

The United States is currently placed seventh in official index, but under the current EU ban, Americans have around the same level of travel freedom as citizens of Mexico (No. 25 on Henley Passport Index, with a score of 159) and Uruguay (No. 28, with a score of 153).

India, with access to 58 countries, stands at the 85th spot.

<img alt="India ranking" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e02ade5-4a9b-4623-b24d-2a8f0d328a10" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/india%20rankking.jpg" />

The best passports to hold in 2020 are:

1. Japan (191 destinations) 
2. Singapore (190) 
3. South Korea, Germany (189) 
4. Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg (188) 
5. Denmark, Austria (187) 
6. Sweden, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland (186) 
7. Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium (185) 
8. Greece, New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic (184) 
9. Canada, Australia (183) 
10. Hungary (181)

Pakistan is one of the last four in the list of 109.

106. Pakistan (32) 
107. Syria (29) 
108. Iraq (28) 
109. Afghanistan (26)

The Henley Passport Index is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. It is updated in real time throughout the year, as and when visa policy changes come into effect.

The world had been enjoying great freedom of movement, allowing people to travel from one country to another with little formalities to be done. And then came the travel bans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The world had been enjoying great freedom of movement, allowing people to travel from one country to another with little formalities to be done. And then came the travel bans amid the coronavirus pandemic. A new ranking of passports has hence found that US citizens have had their freedoms severely curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, US passports have access to 158 countries, 27 less than before coronavirus and largely due to the EU's decision to temporarily ban travellers from the US. Japan is top of the leaderboard, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations around the world. Singapore is in second place (with a score of 190) and South Korea ties with Germany in third place (with a score of 189). The United States is currently placed seventh in official index, but under the current EU ban, Americans have around the same level of travel freedom as citizens of Mexico (No. 25 on Henley Passport Index, with a score of 159) and Uruguay (No. 28, with a score of 153). India, with access to 58 countries, stands at the 85th spot. The best passports to hold in 2020 are: 1. Japan (191 destinations) 2. Singapore (190) 3. South Korea, Germany (189) 4. Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg (188) 5. Denmark, Austria (187) 6. Sweden, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland (186) 7. Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium (185) 8. Greece, New Zealand, Malta, Czech Republic (184) 9. Canada, Australia (183) 10. Hungary (181) Pakistan is one of the last four in the list of 109. 106. Pakistan (32) 107. Syria (29) 108. Iraq (28) 109. Afghanistan (26) The Henley Passport Index is based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. It is updated in real time throughout the year, as and when visa policy changes come into effect.

US passport is now on par with Mexico

Abu Dhabi has imposed an inter-emirates travel ban for one week to curb further transmission of COVID-19. According to this new rule residents of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra can travel within their cities. Watch report.

COVID-19  Pandemic: Abu Dhabi imposes inter-emirates travel ban for one week

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-tn-west-bengal-seek-delay-in-restarting-flights-as-coronavirus-cases-rise-300734">Also read:&nbsp;Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise</a>

Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey.

All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine&nbsp;themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms&nbsp;for 14 days, and inform the&nbsp;district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms.

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Latest guidelines on domestic &amp; international travel have been issued by <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a>. 
 
I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms &amp; strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.<a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoCA_GoI</a> <a href="https://t.co/xVbTG1K44n">pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n</a>
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri/status/1264479951132209153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'.

A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel).

These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel.

As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow,&nbsp;Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal&nbsp;have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel.

As the aviation industry gears up to get back in air from Monday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have issued guidelines for international and domestic travel. As per the guidelines, wearing face masks, or face shields, will be compulsory during the entire journey. All passengers have been advised to wear hand gloves and avoid coming in contact with anything in public spaces. Also read: Maha, TN, West Bengal seek delay in restarting flights as coronavirus cases rise Passengers will go through thermal screening on the airports and will have to follow all rules of social distancing throughout their journey. All asymptomatic passengers will be allowed to travel, under the strict guidelines to self-quarantine themselves for the next 14 days. They will also have to self-examine their health symptoms for 14 days, and inform the district surveillance officer or the state/national call center if they suspect any symptoms. Latest guidelines on domestic & international travel have been issued by @MoHFW_INDIA. I hope travellers strictly follow these self-regulatory norms & strengthen India's hands in this fight against COVID19. Remember, each one of us is a soldier against the pandemic.@MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/xVbTG1K44n — Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 24, 2020 × It is compulsory for all passengers to be registered on Aarogya Setu app to prove that they are coming from a non-containment zone, or 'green zone'. A list of dos and don'ts will be provided to the passengers along with tickets by the concerned authorities, said the ministry's guidelines for domestic travel (air/train/inter-state bus travel). These guidelines have been issued for domestic air, train and road travel. As majority airlines have booked the tickets for their routes starting tomorrow, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have said they are not prepared to open for flights amid rising cases.

New guidelines issued for domestic travel; Aarogya Setu app compulsory

Australia has been one of those few countries which has been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. The number of active cases has seen a significant decline in Australia, and the Australian government is planning to let people return back to their day-to-day life soon.

Not only have the number of cases declined, but the infected people have also been able to recover.

In light of this, the Australian government has urged the British government to exempt Australians from the 14-day quarantine period while travelling to the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-new-norm-cricket-australia-set-to-seek-iccs-permission-to-use-disinfectants-on-match-balls-299884">Also read:&nbsp;The New norm? Cricket Australia set to seek ICC's permission to use disinfectants on match balls</a>

The UK government is planning to initiate a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers who will be travelling to the UK for the next few weeks. The British&nbsp;government is taking this step to contain the spread of coronavirus, and avoid the second peak in the number of positive cases.

However, since Australia has been able to bring their country to a lower rank in the number of positive cases, the officials believe that Australians pose less of a threat to the UK in terms of spreading the virus.

"Australia has led the world in the successful containment of COVID-19, which clearly means that travellers coming from Australia would pose a low risk to the rest of the world," Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said in a statement.

He also stated that Australia will not be opening their international borders to non-citizens, for now. However, all the citizens travelling back to the country will&nbsp;have to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. 
&nbsp;

Australia has been one of those few countries which has been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. The number of active cases has seen a significant decline in Australia, and the Australian government is planning to let people return back to their day-to-day life soon.

Australia has been one of those few countries which has been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. The number of active cases has seen a significant decline in Australia, and the Australian government is planning to let people return back to their day-to-day life soon. Not only have the number of cases declined, but the infected people have also been able to recover. In light of this, the Australian government has urged the British government to exempt Australians from the 14-day quarantine period while travelling to the UK. Also read: The New norm? Cricket Australia set to seek ICC's permission to use disinfectants on match balls The UK government is planning to initiate a 14-day quarantine period for all travellers who will be travelling to the UK for the next few weeks. The British government is taking this step to contain the spread of coronavirus, and avoid the second peak in the number of positive cases. However, since Australia has been able to bring their country to a lower rank in the number of positive cases, the officials believe that Australians pose less of a threat to the UK in terms of spreading the virus. "Australia has led the world in the successful containment of COVID-19, which clearly means that travellers coming from Australia would pose a low risk to the rest of the world," Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said in a statement. He also stated that Australia will not be opening their international borders to non-citizens, for now. However, all the citizens travelling back to the country will have to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival.

Australia urges UK to exempt Australians from 14-day quarantine

As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air&nbsp;travel are still awaited.

Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-samudra-setu-indian-navy-ship-jalashwa-leaves-maldives-for-kochi-298919">Also read:&nbsp;Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi</a>

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With the possibility of resumption of domestic flights soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAI</a> has released some steps that must be followed so passengers are fully geared up while travelling. Wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer, keep docs handy &amp; register on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AarogyaSetuApp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AarogyaSetuApp</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAICares?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAICares</a> <a href="https://t.co/N6ooZIoOsc">pic.twitter.com/N6ooZIoOsc</a>
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official/status/1261264185486274560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As per the guidelines, the first thing to take care of for passengers is the compulsory registration on Aarogya Setu app. Every passenger will have to download and register on the app, as it will help the authorities determine if the passenger is travelling from a green zone or a red zone.

Wearing masks and carrying a hand sanitizer will be compulsory. No passenger without masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be permitted to enter the airport premises. Hand sanitizers, which were earlier not permitted in cabin baggage, have now been allowed upto 350ml.

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Since sanitizing hands frequently is one of the measures against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> virus, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has allowed passengers boarding an aircraft to carry hand sanitizer up to 350ml in their cabin baggage. This is to be implemented with immediate effect. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAI</a> <a href="https://t.co/pYKXjfLMxT">pic.twitter.com/pYKXjfLMxT</a>
— Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official/status/1260930168069083136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All passengers will only be able to book tickets through online or telephonic portals. Passengers will also have to do a web check-in and carry a printed version of their boarding pass. There will be no stamping of boarding passes too, till further notice. This will help the authorities reduce physical contact, thus limiting the spread of the coronavirus.

Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had&nbsp;issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for all airlines and airport operators. This set of guidelines has followed that first draft.

Air India, in the meanwhile, has been bringing back Indian nationals stuck abroad in the biggest repatriation operation of the country, called Vande Bharat mission.

Indian Railways, too, resumed special 25 trains to help domestic travellers return back to their hometown. Railways is also operating 'shramik trains' for migrant workers who had been stuck away from home due to the nationwide lockdown.

As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air travel are still awaited. Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume.

As the nation starts lockdown 4.0 from Monday, announcements on resuming of domestic air travel are still awaited. Keeping that possibility in mind, Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued a brief guideline on Friday for passengers who will be travelling once the flights resume. Also read: Operation Samudra Setu: Indian Navy ship Jalashwa leaves Maldives for Kochi With the possibility of resumption of domestic flights soon, #AAI has released some steps that must be followed so passengers are fully geared up while travelling. Wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer, keep docs handy & register on #AarogyaSetuApp. #AAICares pic.twitter.com/N6ooZIoOsc — Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 15, 2020 × As per the guidelines, the first thing to take care of for passengers is the compulsory registration on Aarogya Setu app. Every passenger will have to download and register on the app, as it will help the authorities determine if the passenger is travelling from a green zone or a red zone. Wearing masks and carrying a hand sanitizer will be compulsory. No passenger without masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be permitted to enter the airport premises. Hand sanitizers, which were earlier not permitted in cabin baggage, have now been allowed upto 350ml. Since sanitizing hands frequently is one of the measures against #COVID19 virus, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has allowed passengers boarding an aircraft to carry hand sanitizer up to 350ml in their cabin baggage. This is to be implemented with immediate effect. #AAI pic.twitter.com/pYKXjfLMxT — Airports Authority of India (@AAI_Official) May 14, 2020 × All passengers will only be able to book tickets through online or telephonic portals. Passengers will also have to do a web check-in and carry a printed version of their boarding pass. There will be no stamping of boarding passes too, till further notice. This will help the authorities reduce physical contact, thus limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) had issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for all airlines and airport operators. This set of guidelines has followed that first draft. Air India, in the meanwhile, has been bringing back Indian nationals stuck abroad in the biggest repatriation operation of the country, called Vande Bharat mission. Indian Railways, too, resumed special 25 trains to help domestic travellers return back to their hometown. Railways is also operating 'shramik trains' for migrant workers who had been stuck away from home due to the nationwide lockdown.

Masks, sanitizers and Aarogya Setu app compulsory: Airport Authority of India

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown.&nbsp;

Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-zoo-is-sending-two-pandas-back-to-china-because-it-cant-get-enough-bamboo-to-feed-them-298500">Also read:&nbsp;Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them</a>

"It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house.

Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban&nbsp;for another month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeau-starts-canadahomeworkhelp-asks-kids-to-reach-out-to-him-298079">Also read:&nbsp;Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him</a>

The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports.&nbsp;

The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted.

The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.&nbsp;

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll.

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown. Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21. Also read: Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them "It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house. Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban for another month. Also read: Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports. The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted. The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.

Canada-US to extend travel ban till June 21

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAI</a> : Important Update for passengers regarding evacuation flights from India. Please visit <a href="https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo">https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo</a> for details. <a href="https://t.co/O23kcKLVlU">pic.twitter.com/O23kcKLVlU</a>
— Air India (@airindiain) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1258084784389017600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The flights will operate from May 08 to May 14. These flights are specifically for people who are stranded and wish to be evacuated. These outgoing flights will have certain rules in place.

Air India will only be allowing the eligible passengers to board the flight. The eligibility will depend on the nationality status with respect to the destination countries, i.e., the passenger should either hold a green card/permanent residency or a one-year valid visa.

The passengers will have to go through thermal screening, compulsorily wear face masks and follow all protocols of social distancing at all times.

The entire cost of the travel will be borne by the passenger. In addition to this, if the passenger is quarantined or deported, he/she will have to bear the entire cost for that too.

The bookings can be made through Air India's official website.

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US.

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US. #FlyAI : Important Update for passengers regarding evacuation flights from India. Please visit https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo for details. pic.twitter.com/O23kcKLVlU — Air India (@airindiain) May 6, 2020 × The flights will operate from May 08 to May 14. These flights are specifically for people who are stranded and wish to be evacuated. These outgoing flights will have certain rules in place. Air India will only be allowing the eligible passengers to board the flight. The eligibility will depend on the nationality status with respect to the destination countries, i.e., the passenger should either hold a green card/permanent residency or a one-year valid visa. The passengers will have to go through thermal screening, compulsorily wear face masks and follow all protocols of social distancing at all times. The entire cost of the travel will be borne by the passenger. In addition to this, if the passenger is quarantined or deported, he/she will have to bear the entire cost for that too. The bookings can be made through Air India's official website.

Air India starts bookings for London, Singapore and the US

Travel restriction specially on airlines impact Aviation industry. So many international airlines companies may go bankrupt in the month of May.

Aviation Industry Hit By Coronavirus

Tom Holmes, a 34-year-old British primary school teacher living in Poland, had expected to welcome home his twin babies and wife in Warsaw on Monday (March 16) upon their return from a holiday in Britain. However, they are now stranded in Britain by coronavirus-related travel curbs.

Foreigners’ flight ban leaves British teacher in Poland separated from family

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the US response to the novel coronavirus.

"I'm going to be announcing exactly right now that I'm going to be putting our vice president Mike Pence in charge," Trump said.&nbsp;

"Mike will be working with the professionals and doctors and everybody else that's working on the team."

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the US response to the novel coronavirus. "I'm going to be announcing exactly right now that I'm going to be putting our vice president Mike Pence in charge," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the US response to the novel coronavirus. "I'm going to be announcing exactly right now that I'm going to be putting our vice president Mike Pence in charge," Trump said. "Mike will be working with the professionals and doctors and everybody else that's working on the team."

Donald Trump appoints Vice-President Mike Pence man in charge of coronavirus response

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