Covid-19 second wave: US bans travel from India from May 4 amidst 'rapid' rise in cases

In the last 24 hours, India's Coronavirus cases marked a record with 4,01,993 fresh cases and 3,523 deaths
Representational Image
Representational Image

Amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases in India, the United States will restrict the entry of non-citizens from May 4.

On Friday afternoon, US President Joe Biden issued the proclamation prohibiting the entry of non-citizens, who were physically present in India for 14 days prior to their entry into the US. There is a long list of exemptions to the entry restrictions and the order will be examined every thirty days. Reportedly, H-1B, L and J visa holders and their dependents are also included in the restrictions.

The travel restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents'; non-citizens married to Americans or green card holders; non-citizen parents or legal guardians of minors who are US citizens or green card holders; siblings of unmarried citizens or LPRs, provided they are not under 21 and unmarried and other categories.

However, the Indian students seeking to commence studies in US schools, colleges and universities in fall 2021 likely to qualify for a National Interest Exemption to overcome the travel restrictions imposed by the US government. Hours after the release of the order, the US State Department said that certain academics, journalists and individuals who provide critical infrastructure support in the US are likely to be eligible for the travel exemption.

On the other hand, reportedly, Australian residents and citizens who have been in India within 14 days and if they are planning to return home, they will be restricted from entering Australia as of Monday. Those disobeying the order will have to face fines and jail, said government officials. The temporary emergency declared by the Australian government is the first time where the country has made it a criminal offence even for its citizens.

In the statement, Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the restricts will be imposed from May 3 and those breaking the rule will end up to five years imprisonment. Reportedly, the government will reconsider the ban on May 15.

Meanwhile, India created another global record as the daily cases crossed an unprecedented 4 lakh on Friday. In the last 24 hours, India's Coronavirus cases marked a record with 4,01,993 fresh cases and 3,523 deaths. Also, the third phase of the world's largest vaccination drive has started today even when certain states witness shortages.

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