GENEVA (SWITZERLAND) – The World Health Organization (WHO) said there is no “zero risk” strategy for countries that are lifting international travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It asserted that essential travel for emergencies should be of prime importance.
The United Nations global health agency said essential travel would include cross-border trips for emergencies, humanitarian work, the transfer of essential personnel and repatriation.
It said on Thursday, “There is no ‘zero risk’ when considering the potential importation or exportation of cases in the context of international travel.”
The WHO had said in June its travel guidelines would be updated before the northern hemisphere summer holidays.
The WHO’s guidance could be used by governments and industries to shape policies but is not necessarily enforceable.
The WHO told each country before lifting any or all travel restrictions to conduct its own risk-benefit analysis. It said authorities should take into account local epidemiology and transmission patterns. It should also give importance to its national health and social distancing measures, which are already in place.
It said, “Countries should continuously plan for and assess their surge capacities for testing, tracking, isolating and managing imported cases and quarantine of contacts.”
The WHO said this week that international travel bans cannot be followed indefinitely. Countries will have to do more to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus within their borders.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.