WHO: Closing borders ineffective in fight against Covid-19

Travel restrictions do not provide added value in the fight against Covid-19 according to the World Health Organisation.

The body said international traffic bans should be lifted to combat the coronaviruses.

The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time.

The WHO said that banning such things was counter-productive because they contribute to the economic and social stress experiences of states.

The international body advised destinations not to require proof of vaccine for international travel.

This was the only way to allow international travel to restart, given limited global access and inequitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

States should consider a risk-based approach to the facilitation of international travel when appropriate, according to the WHO.