Aviation Minister hints at resumption of domestic air travel, says 'awaiting green signal'

With country witnessing third phase of lockdown and Centre anuncing gradual relaxation, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that preparations to restart domestic flights are in place. Domestic air travel was restricted in March amid rising number of Coronavirus cases. Since n, date of resumption has been deferred regularly with respect to extension of lockdown. 

Civil Aviation Minister has also stated that as soon as Centre gives its d to resume domestic flights, industry will be able to take off immediately. industry has been severely hit with lockdown as several airlines have anunced pay cuts for employees. With flights, certain airlines have also sent ir staff on forced leaves. 

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Coronavirus outbreak

India has so far reported 59,662 cases of COVID-19, of which 17,847 patients have recovered while 1,981 have died. recovery rate has reached 30% while fatality rate stands at around 3%. In rast, Tripura has highest number of cases with 118 patients or which only two have recovered. While Assam has reported 59 cases of which 34 have recovered while one patient has died, only COVID death in region.

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Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Saturday met with health ministers and or officials from eight rast States to take stock of situation on COVID-19 response. Speaking to media after almost three hours of discussions, Harsh Vardhan lauded States for ir response to outbreak and ted that only two of eight states in region have active patients of COVID-19.

"We held detailed discussions with authorities in eight rast States lasting almost 2.45 hours on COVID response and also n-COVID issues. y have performed really well. region has a total of 194 cases of COVID-19 and two States with most cases are Tripura – where 2-3 camps of a BSF battalion reported infections, and Assam which has reported around 60 cases," Harsh Vardhan said.

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