WHO warns against blanket travel bans over Omicron coronavirus variant

Blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread, and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods, it said

Countries should apply "an evidence-informed and risk-based approach" with any travel measures related to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, including possible screening or quarantine of international passengers, but blanket bans do not prevent its spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
 
The WHO, in its latest guidance to authorities and travellers, said that people over 60 years of age and those with underlying health conditions should be advised to postpone travel as they are at higher risk of disease and death.
 
This was in line with its advice regarding over 60s since December 2020, regardless