Netherlands: Transavia Airlines to resume flights to European destinations from June 4 /update 11

Event

Transavia Airlines announced on Thursday, May 21, that it will resume flights to six destinations in Greece, Portugal, and Spain from Thursday, June 4. The announcement follows the partial easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in the countries. The airline emphasized that the Dutch government still advises against all but essential travel, however, says that it is the passenger's responsibility to determine whether or not to travel.

KLM previously announced on Monday, May 4, that it has resumed flights between Milan (Italy) and Amsterdam. The flight operates on a daily basis departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Malpensa Airport (MXP). The airline also announced that face masks are compulsory on all flights.

A ban on all major public events, including professional sports and music festivals remains in effect until Tuesday, September 1, due to COVID-19 concerns. The latest extension comes after Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned that relaxing social distancing restrictions too quickly could lead to a second wave of infections of the virus.

As of May 21, authorities have confirmed 44,647 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 5767 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. 
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently, and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.