New Update
In the wake of the new mutant coronavirus strain in the UK, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said that he foresees a slight extension of temporary suspension of India-UK flights.
"I foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don't see the extension to be long or indefinite," he said.
Mutant Coronavirus Strain: India reports 6 cases of new UK strain
Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Civil Aviation Ministry on Air India disinvestment, said that "As of now, multiple 'Expression of Interest' received. In the next step, eligible bidders will be asked for 'Request for proposal'."
On transportation of COVID-19 vaccine, Kharola said: "All main stakeholders incl airlines have been alerted. Exact SOPs to be formulated with the Ministry of Health and the Dept of Pharmaceuticals when we know the exact details of the vaccine. Detailed SOPs will be laid down."
Hardeep Singh Puri's statement on the extension of suspension on India-UK flights came after India reported 6 cases of new mutant coronavirus strain which was reported in the UK.
Also Read | Farmers protest: Farmers remind Centre about topics to be discussed during meeting
Besides the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, Lebanon, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria have reported the new mutant coronavirus strain.
The Union Health Ministry of India stated that all those who tested positive for new COVID strain have been kept in single room isolation.
It also stated that “Between November 25 and December 23, about 33,000 passengers disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK."
Meanwhile, “All these passengers are being tracked and subjected by states and UTs to RT-PCR tests. So far, only 114 have been found positive for COVID-19,” it added.
-PTC News-
Also Read |