US Has Not Asked Its Citizens To Leave India
Several countries have barred people from going to or from India. Australia
earlier this week banned all flights from India. The UK has barred any visitor
who has been in India in the previous 10 days. Italy, Germany, Singapore,
France, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong have all restricted flights to and
from India.
It was reported that the United States had issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice, the highest of
its kind issued by the State Department, asking its citizens to leave India
"as soon as it is safe to do so" in light of the escalating Covid-19 pandemic,
as it has restricted access to medical care.
The advisory came against the backdrop of the announcement of oxygen related
support and medical assistance being provided by the US to India.
"New cases and deaths from Covid-19 have risen sharply throughout India to
record levels. Covid-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in
many locations. Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and
beds for both Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 related patients," announced a "Health
Alert" from the US Department of State.
#India: Voluntary departure of family members of U.S. government employees in India has been authorized. The Embassy and Consulates General continue to provide emergency consular services. U.S. citizens who wish to depart should us commercial options. https://t.co/yPMsOqeamN pic.twitter.com/ukiTEl1hMq
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) April 29, 2021
The advisory states that access to medical care has become "severely limited
in India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases".
US citizens have been asked to opt for direct flights between India and the US
that are currently operating on a daily basis. A total of 14 such direct
flights are on between the US and India at present.
India on Friday morning registered another record single day spike in cases,
with 386,452 Covid-19 positive reported, along with highest number of deaths
in one day -- 3,498.
US Citizens Being Denied Admittance
"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 the 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, capital of the state of
Tamil Nadu, have been cancelled.
The Level 4 Travel Advisory has asked US citizens "not to travel to India"
because of the pandemic.
Indian Lawmaker Subramanian Swamy also had expressed surprise over the US decision.
However, it should be noted the news reported is wrong! As per the entire high alert, the US has actually NOT advised its citizens to leave. It was only a case of misinterpretation.
Our Bureau
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