WHO called for lifting of travel restrictions
The World Health Organization has called for the lifting of travel restrictions, two years after the pandemic began. [...]
The World Health Organization has called for the cancellation of travel restrictions, two years after the start of the pandemic.
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The new recommendation was made last Wednesday by the IHR Emergency Committees (WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on COVID-19).
What does the report say? That countries should lift bans and restrictions, as the committee believes they "do not provide added value and continue To contribute to the economic and social stress experienced by citizens".
Is the end of travel restrictions near?
Why WHO is calling for the lifting of travel restrictions
The travel restrictions put in place in recent months, not to mention years, have failed to curb the Worldwide dissemination of the Omicron variant. And, therefore, they have proven to be ineffective. For this reason, safety measures such as mandatory masking, swabbing, isolation, quarantine and vaccine requirements should be based on a real risk assessment. It is time to stop, in essence, forcing international travelers to large economic outlays. Especially if they come from areas where the virus is under control.
Rather, WHO calls for a focus on other forms of pandemic containment. Starting with drugs: baricitinib for severe patients and sotronivab (monoclonal antibody-based) to treat mild and moderate cases in patients with high hospitalization rates.
Restrictions in Europe
Meanwhile, on the travel restrictions front, Europe has taken a step forward. From February 1, travel will no longer be guided by the color system. And, therefore, by the division of Europe by risk bands (green, yellow, orange, red, dark red). Only the Green Pass will be decisive. No longer an approach based on the country of origin, then, but on the individual.
"A person-centered approach will substantially simplify the applicable rules and provide greater clarity and predictability for travelers," the EU Council noted.
To move around Europe, all you need is the Green Pass base, obtainable by vaccination, swabbing or recovery. The vaccination certificate remains valid 240 days (9 months) starting on the 14th day after the second dose or after the booster dose. Those who are not vaccinated, and not cured, must take the swab in order to travel: molecular in the 72 hours before travel, or antigenic in the 24 hours before travel. The certificate of recovery, on the other hand, is valid for 180 days. Exempt from any restrictions are those traveling for essential reasons, cross-border travelers, and (if confirmed) children under 12.
