Omicron: Avoid travelling to India unless necessary, says Doraiswami

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram K Doraiswami has recommended Bangladeshis to hold off travel to India, if it's not essential, as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is causing a surge in cases.

"It would be best if all inessential travel is avoided although we would focus on keeping visa services and borders open for now," he said in response to a question from the media about travel restrictions at Sheikh Russel Gastroliver Institute and Hospital in the city today.

Doraiswami along with other diplomats took the Covid-19 booster vaccine dose at the hospital after Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen inaugurated the booster dose campaign for foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka.

"The number of Omicron cases is on the rise in India. That's why it is better for the citizens of Bangladesh not to travel to India except for emergency," said Doraiswami.

He, however, added that land ports and visa programmes would remain open, and that seven-day quarantine will be effective from January 11, for all travellers arriving in India from abroad.