With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

No testing on arrival for Chinese travelers to Japan

Chinese travelers to Japan will now not be required to undergo testing for Covid-19 upon their arrival. However, predeparture negative Covid test will still be necessary. Japan may ease border control measures in this month itself…(Source: Reuters, Feb. 8, 2023).

Australians can now take a fifth dose of the Covid vaccine

Following the advice of advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (Atagi), all adults who have not taken a booster dose or have had Covid-19 in the preceding six months will now be able to take a fifth dose of the Covid vaccine from February 20, said the Health Minister Mark Butler. The vaccine offered will be the updated Omicron variant-specific vaccines. Earlier, a fifth dose was recommended only for the severely immunocompromised persons…(Source: Medscape, Feb. 8, 2023).

India relaxes its travel restrictions for travelers from China

India eased its travel restrictions for passengers arriving from or via China and Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea. Pre-departure Covid testing and uploading of self-health declaration is not required now. However, the random testing of 2% travelers will still be carried out…(Source: The Tribune, Feb. 9, 2023).

No masks required on public transport in Singapore 

Singapore has announced further relaxation of its Covid restrictions, which will come into effect from next week. Visitors will not need to buy COVID travel insurance. Now travelers who are not fully vaccinated will not be required to furnish their Covid test results. Masks on public transport will no longer be mandatory. However, masks will still be required in healthcare settings…(Source: Reuters, Feb. 9, 2023)

Most Covid deaths occurred in older adults, says WHO report

More than 80% of Covid deaths worldwide have occurred in persons aged 60 years, says the WHO in  its Weekly Epidemiological Record published last Friday. Only 76% of older adults had completed the two-dose primary series of vaccination by the end of 2022. This coverage also varied according to different income groups…(Source: WHO, Feb. 3, 2023).