WHO advises people 60 years of age or older to postpone travel due to Omicron

 

The World Health Organization advises people 60 years of age or older to postpone travel due to Omicron.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization advised those 60 or older and other people at risk to postpone travel plans in response to the emergence of the COVID-19 variant Omicron.

 The World Health Organization said Monday that the Omicron variant poses a "very high" risk and may be more transmissible than other variants of COVID-19.

 The World Health Organization has said that people "who are unwell or at risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death" should delay their travel plans.

People 60 or older or those with comorbidities such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes are considered at risk.

The World Health Organization also urged countries to "continue to apply an evidence-based and risk-based approach when implementing travel procedures." Still, it demanded a "comprehensive travel ban," which it said "would not prevent the international spread."

 The WHO guidance comes as countries worldwide are rushing to implement measures to respond to the Omicron variant, including travel restrictions.

Due to concerns about the alternative, the United States has imposed restrictions on air travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Countries have announced similar restrictions in Europe and Asia.

The World Health Organization urged all travelers to "be aware of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, vaccinate when it is their turn, and adhere to health and social measures at all times and regardless of vaccination status, including by using masks appropriately, and respecting physical distancing."