New Delhi: On a day the US started sending assistance to Covid-19 afflicted India, the Biden Administration directed its citizens to keep off the country where the pandemic’s second wave is wreaking havoc.
The US government on Thursday told its citizens to leave India at the earliest as its pandemic crisis is worsening at an alarming pace, according to media reports.
The US State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory, the highest of its kind, asking its citizens “not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.” Between them, the US and India have 14 direct flights daily, apart from other services through Europe, the State Department said.
India is currently struggling to contain the unprecedented Covid-19 infections and deaths. On Thursday, new cases rose by a staggering 379,300 in 24 hours, another record, while 3,700 additional lives were lost. The pandemic has claimed more than 204,800 lives so far.
“US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space,” the website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India said in a health alert.
“US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now.” All routine US citizen services and visa services at the US Consulate General Chennai have been canceled.
India has the world’s fastest-growing caseload with 18.4 million confirmed instances. The virus has gripped the country with a severity not seen in its first wave.
With the second wave raging in India, several countries have temporarily banned flights to and from India. Hong Kong banned flights from India, as well as Pakistan and the Philippines, for 14 days from April 20. Singapore barred entry to long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who have recently been in India. Indonesia has also denied entry to people traveling from India.
Besides, the UK has added India to its travel ban list, and the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have halted passenger flights from India. Canada last week banned flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days. Australia banned flights from India this week, media reported.
(VP)