The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic seems to be surging, especially with the Delta variant on the rise now. The Delta variant is said to have been detected in 98 countries as of July 2021, declares World Health Organisation (WHO). By Meenakshi Maidas
The Delta variant is a version of the Coronavirus that was first discovered in India, and is believed to spread more easily due to mutations. The following countries have imposed new travel restrictions due to this variant spread.
1. Australia
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Many cities in Australia were in lockdown since last week, including the capital city, Sydney. Sydney houses a fifth of Australia’s 25 million people and strict stay-at-home orders have been imposed in the city till July 16, reports Times of India. As part of a four phase recovery plan, Australia’s national cabinet has decided to halve the number of international arrivals by July 14, reports CNBC. Next week, schools in Sydney will reportedly move to remote learning after the winter break ends on July 9.
2. Indonesia
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Indonesia is facing an oxygen crisis with the rise of Delta variant cases. The islands of Bali and Java went into emergency lockdown on July 3, reports CNN. July 6 onwards, Indonesia is allowing only fully vaccinated foreign visitors with a negative RT-PCR test report to enter the country. Upon arrival, visitors will further have to quarantine for eight days.
3. Israel
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With 300 cases per day, Israel is seeing a rise in infections due to the Delta variant, reports Business Insider. Although the country’s primary vaccine rollout seems successful, the emergence of the Delta variant has had an adverse effect. According to the report, about 70 per cent of the country’s new infections are caused by the Delta variant, says the outgoing Director of Health Ministry, Chezy Levy. Officials have instated an indoor mask mandate, and the country might also impose restrictions on unvaccinated people and limit gatherings this week.
4. Portugal
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Portugal has introduced new restrictions because of the spread of the Delta variant across the country. The government is set to impose curfew from 11 pm to 5 am in Lisbon, Porto and some other tourist spots from July 11, reports New York Times. The new curfews are aimed at discouraging younger people from gathering. The curfews will be imposed in 19 municipalities with ‘very elevated risks’ and another 26 with ‘elevated risks.’
5. Taiwan
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The Delta variant was also found in Taiwan. From June 25, the government has imposed strict border controls to keep the variant at bay, reports The Straits Times. Starting June 27, visitors from Bangladesh, Britain, Indonesia, Israel and Peru are advised to spend 14 days in government facilities on arrival, says Health Minister Chen Shih-chung in the report. However, a Delta variant outbreak in Pingtung County seems to have been contained, reports Taiwan News.
Related: COVID-19 Travel Checklist: Apps And Websites To Make Your Travels Hassle-Free
