(CMR) A new strain of the coronavirus has forced several countries in the European Union (EU) to ban all flights arriving from the United Kingdom, in attempt to avert another outbreak.
France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, Romania, Belgium and Bulgaria have imposed bans on flights coming in from the UK, with most travel restrictions having come into effect on Sunday (December 20).
Many of the countries have already issued strong travel advisories, dissuading its citizens from traveling unless absolutely necessary.
According to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the new variant of the virus is 70% more transmissible than existing strains and appears to be rapidly spreading across London and southern England.
However, Johnson has said that there’s no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness.
“The cabinet is closely monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 virus abroad and is investigating the possibilities for additional measures for other modes of transport,” said the Dutch government.
The Dutch have added that in the coming days, it will, in close collaboration with other EU member states, look into the possibilities of further restricting imports of the virus from the United Kingdom.
However it remains unclear how the ferries that travel between the UK and the Netherlands will be guided under the latest ban.
However, the Irish government has said that it would restrict travel on planes and ferries from Britain beginning at midnight on Sunday.
While the French government on Sunday evening announced that it would suspend all travel from the United Kingdom, including the transport of goods.
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