Karnataka Seeks Ban On Passengers From Nations Hit By New Covid Variant

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai pointed out that he has learnt that it is a super spreader and hence, India is on the alert.

The Karnataka government has requested the Centre to impose a travel ban on passengers coming from South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana in view of the detection of the new variant of COVID-19 -"Omicron", Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Sunday.

"A new strain of the COVID-19 has appeared abroad, which is mainly seen in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. European nations have imposed restrictions and the WHO has also raised an alarm against this new variant by calling it a matter of concern," Mr Bommai told reporters.

"We have also requested the Union government to ban travellers from the three countries (South Africa, Hongkong and Botswana)," he added.

Stating that there were no details available about the impact of the new variant, Mr Bommai pointed out that he has learnt that it is a super spreader and hence, India is on the alert.