US allows kin of its mission staff ‘voluntary departure’

NEW DELHI: The United States has authorised “voluntary departure” of family members of employees posted in its diplomatic missions in India and encouraged other citizens who wish to leave the country “to take advantage of currently available commercial flights”.
From 9.30am IST on May 4, the US will “restrict and suspend” the entry of “non-citizens”, with some exceptions, who were in India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into America.
“...US Embassy New Delhi and Consulates General Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will remain open and continue to provide emergency consular services,” states the website of the US embassy and consulates in India.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 4 travel health notice while the state department has released a Level 4 travel advisory. “Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. ...The department of state advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so,” the website says.