After the discovery of a new coronavirus strain named Omicron, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a new travel alert for Category C nations on Sunday (28 November) in an effort to prevent cases of new coronavirus variants in Pakistan. The CAA has issued a new travel alert for 17 countries, including South Africa, Hong Kong, Iraq, Namibia, and Ukraine.
Passengers from nations classified as C would need approval from the National Command and Operations Centre to travel (NCOC). The CAA stated that “They would be required to submit proof of full Covid-19 vaccination.”
In the meanwhile, Pakistani citizens who fall into this category are allowed to return home until December 5th without obtaining formal permission.
A negative PCR test report obtained 72 hours prior to departure will be required. According to the travel alert, passengers would be subject to testing and quarantine restrictions upon arrival in Pakistan.
The discovery of a novel coronavirus type has sparked worldwide concern, with several countries restricting travel to South Africa as a result.
In a statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was labeling the omicron version as “of concern,” a term given to only four variants so far.
Following the introduction of a new strain of the virus, NCOC chief Asad Umar ordered a travel ban on seven countries.
The NCOC’s planning minister acknowledged the travel restrictions imposed on six South African countries and Hong Kong and stated that the introduction of the new variation emphasizes the importance of vaccinating all eligible persons.
Asad Umar tweeted, “Based on the emergence of the new Covid variant, notification has been issued to restrict travel from 6 South African countries and Hong Kong.” Furthermore, he added, “The emergence of new variant makes it even more urgent to vaccinate all eligible citizens 12 years and older.”
On November 25, South African scientists announced the discovery of the Omicron variant. The variant is thought to be highly contagious due to multiple mutations. Many countries are racing to try to contain it, and some have banned flights from southern Africa.
The NCOC said in a statement, “Consequent to the emergence of Omicron Covid variant in South Africa and its spread to adjoining regions, a complete ban has been imposed on direct/indirect inbound travel from South Africa, Hong Kong, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana.”
According to the statement, the protocols include “vaccination certificate, negative PCR [polymerase chain reaction] report (maximum 72 hours old) before boarding, and RAT [rapid antigen test] on arrival at the airport.”
Earlier, the US announced that travel from South Africa – where the new mutation was discovered – and neighboring countries would be restricted beginning Monday.
Canada recently announced that it will close its borders to the same countries against whom the United Kingdom, the European Union, and others have declared flight bans.
