Access to Medical Care Extremely Limited; Leave India, Urges the US Health Department

New Delhi: Amidst the alarming COVID surge across the Indian subcontinent, the US government urged all its citizens to leave the country as soon as possible.

In a tweet, the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs said, “Access to medical care is severely limited due to COVID-19 cases. U.S. citizens wishing to depart should use available commercial options now.” 

https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1387459513779904517?s=20

In a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest issued by the Department of State U.S. citizens were told, “not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.” There are 14 direct daily flights between India and the U.S. and other services that connect through Europe, the department said. The US Embassy in India stated, “US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now. Direct flights between India and the United States are offered daily, with additional flight options available to US citizens via transfers in Paris and Frankfurt.” 

The health department of the US requested the citizens in India to enrol for ‘STEP’, a government alert for “critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had put out guidelines for people travelling to India from the United States. It recommended people avoid travelling to India in the current situation where even fully vaccinated individuals are at risk of getting infected. 

Amidst the rising number, Australia also banned all flights from India. The UK restricted visitors who have Indian travel history in the recent past. British and Irish nationals arriving in England from India are directed to quarantine in a hotel.