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People over 60 should put their travel plans on hold to avoid exposure to the
risks posed by the omikron variant of the coronavirus, the World Health
Organization (WHO) says. It does repeat that general travel bans are not
useful to stop the pread of the virus, whether mutated or not.
 
The WHO has identified omikron as worrisome and high-risk. After its discovery
in South Africa last week, the variant has surfaced all over the world. So
far, 56 countries have taken travel measures in an attempt to slow down
omikron imports.
 
Following the example of virologists and other scientists, the WHO states that
the variant will certainly lead to more infections in Europe and elsewhere.
People with conditions that put them at great risk of a corona infection such
as heart disease, cancer and diabetes and people over 60 are therefore well
advised not to travel for the time being, according to the World Health
Organization pending more clarity about the consequences and the danger of the
new variant.
 
The WHO advises governments to look closely at the screening, testing and
isolation of air passengers. When taking action, be "calm, coordinated and
coherent", is the advice.

--- DB4 - Nov 27 2021
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)
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