Covishield already has emergency use approval from the World Health Organization
New Delhi:
India on Tuesday said it has pushed for an early resolution of the quarantine issue in the United Kingdom in the “mutual interest” of the two countries, which have not recognized people vaccinated in India as “fully vaccinated”. There has been considerable criticism from all quarters. “.
A new travel advisory by the United Kingdom – which states that people in India and some other countries will still be considered “undesirable” after two doses of AstraZeneca’s Covishield (in use globally as Vaxazeviria) – and 10 days Will have to go through self-isolation. Renewed controversy over the freedom of international travel during the pandemic.
“Glad to meet @trussliz, the new UK Foreign Secretary. Discussed progress on Roadmap 2030. Appreciated his contribution on the trade side. Exchanged views on developments in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Quarantine issues in mutual interest Urged for an early resolution,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on Twitter today.
Glad to meet the new UK Foreign Secretary @trussliz.
Discussed the progress of Roadmap 2030. Appreciated his contribution on the business side.
Exchanged views on developments in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.
Urged for early resolution of the quarantine issue in mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/pc49NS7zcw
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2021
Earlier on Monday, the UK said it is engaging with India to explore how it can extend the recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certification issued by Indian authorities. It said it was committed to reopening international travel “as soon as possible”.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said he has canceled several events because of the rules – which were announced by the UK government on Friday and will come into force on October 4 – and that “fully vaccinated Indians should be quarantined”. to say it was objectionable”.
Another Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the rules “racist”.
He tweeted, “Absolutely bizarre considering Covishield was originally developed in the UK and Serum Institute, Pune has supplied to that country as well. It smacks of racism.”
The new rules reflect the UK’s decision to eliminate its ‘amber’ list from 4 October.
India is currently on that list and has not yet moved to the expanded ‘Green’ list – countries whose vaccines are recognized by the UK.
Therefore, from 4 October, travelers not vaccinated under “approved programs in the UK (and UK overseas), Europe or the US” will have to self-quarantine for 10 days, plus pay for two COVID tests.
They can pay for an initial test to be released from the quarantine.
The advisory is of particular concern to India, where Covishield is the most widely used vaccine and its non-recognition by the UK (despite its government using the same drug under a different name) for students, Will disrupt travel plans of tourists, businessmen and others. Vaccination in this country.
Covishield already has EUA, or Approval of Emergency Use, World Health Organization status.
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