The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is causing international concern, with countries particularly zeroing in on South Africa for imposing travel restrictions since that is wher the variant was first found. India’s Health Ministry issued a notice on Friday which categorized countries such as Brazil, New Zealand, Botswana, South Africa, Britain, Europe, and Israel as a ‘Risk Country’.

The WHO, the world's premier health organization, on its part has asked countries not to impose arbitrary restrictions on or within its borders and "follow evidence". It has acknowledged that reimposing lockdowns can have detrimental impacts on "lives and livelihoods".