Australia today (27) announced the temporary suspension of direct flights to India with immediate effect. India’s 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has worsened, with the number of confirmed cases reaching a global record of 350,000 in a single day.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he decided to suspend direct flights from India immediately until at least May 15, given the “clear risk” from India. The policy has left thousands of Australians stranded in India, including two well-known cricketers.
Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom have previously suspended or restricted flights from India.
Morrison said India is experiencing a “terrible humanitarian crisis”, Australia will send oxygen tanks, respirators and personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to India. India’s health care system is on the verge of collapse due to soaring numbers of infected patients.
India, with a population of 1.3 billion, reported 352,991 confirmed cases and 2,812 deaths on the 26th, the highest since the epidemic.
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