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Australia Considering Banning Flights From India Amid Record-Breaking Covid-19 Wave

Australia Considering Banning Flights From India Amid Record-Breaking Covid-19 Wave

The country recorded 350,000 new cases in a single day recently.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Australian authorities will meet today (April 27) to decide whether to ban flights from India as the country experiences a record-breaking coronavirus wave.

There were more than 350,000 new positive cases in just 24-hours, which is the highest single daily jump anywhere in the world since the pandemic began. It was the fourth day in a row where a record had been broken.

There have also been more than 2,800 deaths in that same time period, however there are concerns that number could be much higher.

Makeshift crematoriums are popping up all over the country and family and loved ones are being rushed into saying their goodbyes to those who have died.

PA

The huge surge in cases and deaths has prompted the Australian government to assess whether it should temporarily block flights until the new wave subsides.

9News reports the decision will be a tough one considering there are around 9,000 Aussies stranded in India and are trying to get home.

When the national security committee of cabinet meets later today, they will also weigh up whether to send vital supplies of oxygen, ventilators and personal protective equipment to India.

Oxygen is the number one need as hospitals are running low on the crucial element, leaving patients gasping for breath.

Australian authorities have already reduced the number of flights coming in from India by 30 per cent.

However, the number of cases skyrocketed over the weekend, sparking fresh concern over the number of people coming to Australia.

It's especially pertinent after 52 passengers on a flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong tested positive for Covid-19 once arriving at their destination.

PA

They had all tested negative before boarding their flight, with tests mandatory up to 72 hours before departure.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt admits Australia has to do something to both help India in its time of need and protect our country's security.

"India is literally gasping for oxygen. And while we can assist with the national medical stockpile, their particular request is for assistance with regards to the physical supply of oxygen," he said.

"We are in a position to be able to supply non-invasive ventilators. We are in a strong position on that front because we won't need them at this point in time."

He added if a flight ban was to come into effect, 'we will do it with a heavy heart - but without hesitation'.

India has confirmed 186,000 deaths and a total of more than 16 million cases. Three million new cases have been added in the last two weeks - revealing just how intense this new wave is becoming.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia