Because of concerns about the new omicron strain, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging governments to test rather than limit travel because travel bans are rather “unfair” and “ineffective.”
This follows a similar warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), which criticized the UK and other countries for storing vaccines that may be better used in regions where vaccines are scarce.
Key Takeaways:
- According to the UN chief, governments should test rather than limit travel because travel bans are “unfair” and “ineffective.”
- The financial and personal costs of travel bans have been heavily criticized, particularly among international students.
- The only way to reduce the risk of transmission while allowing for travel and economic activity is to improve testing processes for passengers.
The argument has refocused discussion about global vaccination inequality and accusations that wealthy countries are storing vaccines for themselves.
Guterres furthered that travel restrictions that isolate any one country or region are not only terribly unfair and punishing, but they are also ineffectual in the face of a global pandemic.
It can be noted that after the omicron strain of the coronavirus was first discovered in the region last week, several countries put travel restrictions on southern African governments.
Travel bans have been widely criticized for the financial and personal costs they impose, particularly on international students. For many students, online learning is neither an option nor a viable choice.
The majority believe it is not worth the money they spent on quality, face-to-face education. Many people discover that their mental health suffers as a result of their lack of human interaction.
Moreover, those stranded abroad would be unable to complete any practical assignments, and scientists would be unable to access labs.
With this, the UN official forwarded that implementing improved testing procedures for travelers, along with other relevant and truly effective measures, is the only approach to limit the danger of transmission while allowing for travel and economic activity.
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