Canada has extended the suspension of direct flights from India by one more month amid the Covid surge. The same conditions apply to Pakistani flights as the country shows concerning situation. Fearing the spread of the new coronavirus variant, Canada has banned flights until June 21.
Earlier Canada had suspended the flights on April 22 for a month. But, as the previous 30-day ban was set to expire, the Canadian government decided to extend it.
The near ending of the ban had kept international students in hope. However, this decision has come as a setback to immigrants. Many students hoping to arrive in Canada and continue with their studies are now disappointed.
The second wave of coronavirus has disrupted innumerable lives and affected various sectors like the economy, health and education. Since last year, international travel has been on and off due to coronavirus restrictions. With the end of 2020, everything was getting back to normal but, the second wave of Covid 19 pandemic, once again made India start from scratch. Several countries have closed their borders for India as the new variant spreads in the country.
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Meanwhile, to maintain shipments of essential supplies, Cargo flights are permitted. It is considered not to disrupt the supply of vaccines and personal protective equipment.
Also, travelers from India and Pakistan can reach Canada via a third country. Passengers will need to produce a negative report for coronavirus infection. The Covid test should be taken at their last point of departure before being allowed in Canada.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said, “Restrictions are based on public health advice to reduce the importation risk of Covid 19 and its variants.” “I can say that we have seen a significant reduction in the number of positive cases of Covid19 arriving from international flights since the restriction was put in place,” he added.
June 21 is the date announced till the restrictions last. However, Alghabra has given a hint of further restriction saying that government will continue adapting border restriction as conditions change.