World Health Organization Says COVID-Related Travel Restrictions Should Be Lifted

The WHO made new recommendations for countries to ease travel restrictions related to COVID-19.

According to VOANews.com, the WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee said during a recent meeting that coronaviruses-related restrictions do not provide added value and continue to contribute to the economic and social stress experienced by citizens.

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The ineffectiveness of travel restrictions over time is shown by the unmitigated spread of the Omicron variant. The agency said safety measures should be based on risk assessments to avoid placing an excess financial burden on international travelers.

The CDC updated its travel advisories for 40 countries and territories due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases around the world.

International travel will reach 90 percent of its pre-pandemic level after the United Kingdom relaxed some of its restrictions. When travelers come back to the U.K., they no longer have to take a pre-departure COVID test.

The UNWTO found that global tourism experienced a 4% increase in 2021. The agency said the Omicron variant and surge in COVID-19 cases have yet to be seen, but the rising vaccination rates and easing of travel restrictions have helped release demand.