Covid-19: Control room registers increase in travel inquiries from abroad

KOCHI: As countries around the world have started imposing travel restrictions to control the spread of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus, Ernakulam natives living abroad seem to be in a rush to return to their native places, fearing a travel ban in India.
The Covid control room has started witnessing an increase in calls related to travel inquiries, and majority of the calls are from abroad.The control room receives around 250 travel inquiry calls per day now. Calls related to Covid infection are received mostly in the night.
“The number of travel inquiry calls increased by around 150 after the reporting of Omicron variant. Most of the calls are from abroad, mainly from the US, UK and Gulf countries. They ask us about the current quarantine restrictions in the state and the protocols to be followed during their return trip. Before the Omicron scare, we used to receive calls mostly related to Covid infection and shifting of patients,” said a source from the control room.
Health officials said surveillance authorities should not fall prey to the justifications put forward by travellers to skip quarantine rules. “There is a chance of a large number of Malayalis returning to their native places in the coming days. Some may make false claims like they have returned for a short-stay, in order to skip quarantine. That should not be allowed. Our surveillance should be strengthened. Already our health system is stretched to the maximum. There is no room for any complacency,” said the health official.
District medical officer Dr V Jayashree said they have intensified screening at the Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) and a medical team has been appointed in this regard. “No passengers are coming via Cochin Port now. If the port starts receiving passengers, we will implement the same procedures there,” she said.
The district had witnessed huge clamour to get the vaccine dose when the second wave hit badly. When the government started vaccination programme, there was vaccine hesitancy among the public initially. But after the second wave people started queuing up to get their jab. “Currently, there is vaccine hesitancy among public when it comes to second dose. People should get the second dose when the due date approaches,” said Jayashree.
Meanwhile, Ernakulam mental health team say they have not received any panic calls related to the Omicron variant. “It seems people have learned to live with Covid. We have received any panic calls from the public so far,” said mental health programme officer Soumya Raj.