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A new variant of the coronavirus is causing the number of cases in the UK to rise rapidly. Germany is now preparing tough measures, other countries have already reacted.
Due to the corona mutation discovered in Britain, the European Union is apparently considering drastic measures. As “Bild” reports, Germany could completely disrupt Britain’s air traffic at night. Several countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium have already done so. According to the information, the federal government aims for concerted action across Europe.
According to “Bild”, Germany would begin to restrict bilateral air traffic from midnight. The measure would initially apply until January 6, excluding air travel from the UK during the bank holiday and the New Year. According to the report, the corresponding cabinet decision will be made during the day. Something similar is planned for South Africa, where a mutation of the virus was also isolated this week.
At the same time, the federal government is working on a coordinated approach with European partners. In the afternoon, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and the EU leadership about how to proceed. Macron has called a defense council for Sunday night. The “Bild” quotes an adviser to the German government as saying that Europe must “completely isolate itself” from Great Britain. An EU solution is important, as otherwise there would be too many gateways for the virus to use other transport routes.
Blocking is “a serious option”
The federal government had not ruled out possible protection measures in air traffic due to the events in Great Britain and South Africa. From circles of the Federal Ministry of Health it was said in the morning that they were “a serious option.” It closely monitors development, is in contact with neighboring European countries and assesses information on the possible variant of the virus under high pressure.
According to initial findings by British scientists, a recently discovered variant of the virus is up to 70 percent more contagious than the previously known form. Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasized Saturday that there was no evidence that vaccines against the mutation were less effective.
Netherlands imposes ban on flights to Britain
The Netherlands has already imposed a ban on flights to and from Great Britain until Sunday, January 1. Belgium wants to suspend flights and train connections from Britain for at least 24 hours starting at midnight. France is also considering suspending flights and trains from Britain, reports the BFM television network. An official decision is expected Sunday. Similar steps are being prepared in Italy, Israel and Austria.
A virus with the variant described in the UK had already been identified in a random sample in the Netherlands in early December, he said. Following the report from Great Britain, this case will be investigated and further examined who was affected, how the infection occurred, and whether related cases are known.
