Coronavirus India Latest Updates: Serum Institute Seeks Permission For Covishield Booster

The Serum Institute of India has asked for permission to use its Covishield vaccine as a booster, citing adequate stock and emergence of new variants of the virus, the PTI reported citing unnamed sources.

The company, which makes and sells the Oxford- AstraZeneca Plc shot in India, filed the application with the Drug Controller General of India, the report said, pointing out that there was no shortage of vaccine in India. It also cited the example of the U.K. that has approved booster doses, the report said.

Serum Institute recently got permission to resume exports for Covax, the global distribution programme.

The Maharashtra government has issued revised guidelines in view of concerns around the emerging omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Key takeaways:

• All international passengers from risk countries will undergo self-paid post arrival Covid-19 test and compulsorily undergo institutional quarantine for one week. They also shall undergo Covid RT-PCR tests on 2nd, 4th and 7th day post-arrival.

• Domestic passengers landing in Mumbai must show a RT-PCR test with negative result taken within 72 hours of departure. In exceptional cases like family distress, etc, testing may be allowed on arrival at the airport.

• Domestic air passengers travelling within the state will either have to be fully vaccinated or compulsorily carry a RT-PCR test within 48 hours of the time of arrival.

• Passengers from other states, negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours of arrival will be compulsory without exceptions.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, in a tweet, said that the resumption of international passenger flights is being reviewed. Earlier, the resumption was planned from Dec. 15.

“The situation is being watched closely in consultation with all stakeholders and an appropriate decision indicating the effective resumption of scheduled commercial international passenger services shall be notified in due course," it tweeted.

List of countries declared at-risk:

• Countries in Europe including The United Kingdom

• South Africa

• Brazil

• Botswana

• China

• Mauritius

• New Zealand

• Zimbabwe

• Singapore

• Hong Kong

• Israel

Total 1013 passengers from 4 ‘at risk’ flights, successfully completed arrival formalities due to availability of Rapid PCR Test along with RTPCR test.
792 passengers decided to take Rapid PCR Test and 221 passengers opted for RT-PCR Test. @MoCA_GoI (2/2)

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 1, 2021

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