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Sunday 20 December 2020
Protection against new virus variants
Germany stops flights from the UK
Due to concerns about the spread of a new variant of the coronavirus, Germany is disrupting flight operations with Great Britain. Landings should no longer be allowed after midnight. Other countries have already taken similar measures.
Due to the new variant of the corona virus, air traffic from Britain to Germany will be largely stopped. After midnight, landings from Great Britain are prohibited, as can be seen in an order from the Federal Ministry of Transport; Exceptions apply to cargo flights, for example. RTL / ntv had previously learned from government circles that air traffic from Britain was to be banned from midnight to January 6. They trust that the necessary documents will be sent to the airlines in time before midnight, he said. How many German passengers may be stranded in Britain remains to be determined. It is not clear how traffic through the Eurotunnel and maritime traffic should be handled.
Other countries had already reacted before: Holland canceled flights to and from Great Britain, Belgium also closes its borders with Great Britain for at least 24 hours. This also applies to the Eurostar train through the tunnel under the English Channel. The Italian government wants to suspend air connections with Great Britain due to the Corona situation in England, and Austria has also announced a landing ban.
The German government had previously announced that it would limit travel options to Great Britain and South Africa due to the new variant of the corona virus. “A regulation is currently being drafted. The federal government is in contact with European partners,” tweeted deputy government spokeswoman Martina Fietz. The Federal Home Office has already ordered the Federal Police to systematically screen travelers from Great Britain and South Africa with immediate effect. This applies with a view to correct registration in the digital check-in, said a ministry spokesman. Travelers would have to be prepared for longer wait times at the borders.
Meanwhile, the EU is striving for a common approach among its members to stop the new variant of the virus. “We are in contact with the member states to increase the exchange of information and examine how they can coordinate,” said a spokesman for the EU Commission. In a telephone conversation, Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Charles Michel discussed the new status of the crown in England. According to information from the Elysee circles, a joint approach was the focus of the talks. Macron has convened a defense council in the evening.
Variant “out of control”
The UK government has raised concerns about the mutation of the virus. “It’s out of control and we have to get it back under control,” Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC. Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized, however, that there is no evidence that the mutation causes more serious disease courses or a higher death rate or that vaccines against the mutation are less effective.
According to Christian Drosten of the Berlin Charité, the new variant has not yet appeared in Germany. The spread could be a coincidence, the Corona expert wrote on Twitter. The mutations did not necessarily give the virus a selection advantage, even if that was possible. A selection advantage can facilitate the spread of a virus. The Federal Ministry of Health circles in Berlin said that restrictions on flights from Britain and also from South Africa are “a serious option.” Virologist Alexander Kekulé told the MDR that a flight ban “may still offer an opportunity” to prevent the spread.
The British parts of Wales and Scotland also tightened restrictions. London Mayor Sadiq Khan showed understanding for the closure, in which non-essential shops and facilities must close. At the same time, he criticized the government, which a few days ago had adhered to the planned Christmas relaxation. “It is the coming and going that leads to so much fear, despair, pain and disappointment,” Khan told the BBC. “If we keep changing our minds, it’s very difficult for people like me to ask people to listen to us.”
Johnson sacrifices Christmas
Prime Minister Johnson had recently stuck to the easing planned for Christmas. Now his government has cracked down on it. More than 16 million people are affected, who are only allowed to leave their homes to work and in exceptional cases such as visiting the doctor or doing the shopping. “We are sacrificing the ability to see our loved ones this Christmas to have a better chance of saving their lives and seeing them at Christmas in the future,” Johnson said.
In London and other regions, the new higher level of Corona 4 now applies. Residents cannot leave the area. Following the announcement of the stricter measures, many people spontaneously left on Saturday night to leave London. Photos and videos showed crowded train stations. Minister Hancock did not rule out that the stricter measures would remain in force “in the coming months” until vaccination against the crown has been carried out in all areas.
