The UK’s approval of India-made Covaxin has come into effect from today. Covaxin is now on the UK’s approved list of COVID-19 vaccines for international travellers. The news is huge and comes as a relief for thousands of travellers from India vaxxed with the Bharat Biotech-manufactured vaccine. The travellers jabbed with Covaxin will not have to self-isolate after arrival in the country.
In addition to Covaxin, the UK government has added China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm too in its approved list of vaccines. As per reports, more than one billion doses of these three vaccines have been delivered across the globe. The latest changes were announced by the UK government earlier this month soon after the World Health Organization (WHO) gave their nod to Covaxin as an “emergency-use listing” on November 3.
Soon after several countries started recognising the India-made vaccine. Covishield, another Indian jab, was already approved for inbound travel from October 4. India’s vaccine certificates were also started getting accepted on October 11.
Apparently, Covishield and Covaxin are the two prime vaccines being used in India. Besides, India is also using Russia-made Sputnik and Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine to vax its population. Last week, nearly 110 countries approved Covaxin and Covishield including New Zealand and Australia.
In the latest development, Australia has decided to allow foreign visa holders to enter the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the country has decided to allow foreign visa holders to enter from December 1. This step has been taken in order to restart international travel, and also support its economy.
Much like the rest of the world, Australia too had shut its borders last year, with the spread of the COVID 19. At that time the country only allowed a limited number of permanent residents, and citizens to enter the country.
Eventually, the country had allowed foreign family members of citizens to enter the country. Now, starting December 1, business visa holders vaccinated students, and refugees will be permitted to enter. The country has also decided to allow vaccinated tourists from South Korea and Japan to travel from December 1.
He said in a statement that allowing skilled workers and students to return to Australia, is a major milestone in getting the country back on its path.
The country’s foreign students are worth about A$35 billion a year to the economy of the country, and reopening for vaccinated students will be a major step towards getting that economic push for the better.
The country is also quite popular as a tourist destination and has some of the most beautiful beaches. Most notably, Bondi Beach, which is an iconic beach located in the suburb of Sydney. To reopen such destinations safely would certainly mean the world for travellers!
