Europe: Several nations suspend international travel with UK starting Dec. 20 due to new COVID-19 strain

Event

As of Dec. 20, authorities in several European nations instituted bans of varying durations on passenger transport with the UK in response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. Specific measures that have been implemented include:

• Belgium: 24-hour ban on all passenger flight and rail traffic with UK effective 2359 Dec. 20

• Bulgaria: All passenger flights with UK suspended from 2359 Dec. 20 through Jan. 31

• France: 48-hour temporary suspension of all passenger flight and rail services with UK pending final decision by government

• Germany: All flights with UK suspended from 2359 Dec. 20 through Dec.31

• Ireland: 48-hour ban on flights and passenger ferry services with UK; freight ferry services for essential supply lines unaffected

• Italy: All passenger flights with UK suspended through at least Jan. 6; travelers who stayed in or transited the UK within the past 14 days prohibited from entering Italy, even if asymptomatic

• Netherlands: Passenger flights from UK banned from 0600 Dec. 20 through at least Jan. 1

The EU has scheduled a meeting for 1000 Dec. 21 for the purpose of making a decision on a coordinated European response to the new COVID-19 strain. Additional nations, including those outside of Europe, could impose similar bans on travel to/from the UK, as well as other countries where the mutation has appeared. Some cases of the mutated virus have also been detected in Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands; a similar, albeit not identical variant has materialized in South Africa.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, particularly to UK or other countries where the new virus strain has been detected. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.