New variants of the coronavirus determine new travel restrictions in Europe

The Covid-19 epidemic is not slowing down in Europe, with new travel restrictions approved by a growing number of national governments, in order to stem the spread of new variants of the coronavirus.      

United Kingdom

A further clampdown has been announced in the United Kingdom, whose residents will only be able to travel outside the country for "essential reasons" set out in a statement to authorities, who can then initiate the necessary checks.  People from the thirty countries considered at risk who cannot be refused entry, such as British citizens returning home, will be transported immediately after arrival to "quarantine hotels”, where they will have to stay for ten days and cover the costs, explained Undersecretary for Home Affairs, Priti Patel, to the House of Commons.  In addition, more thorough controls will be introduced to verify that people subject to quarantine comply with it.

France

France, which has already imposed a 6 p.m. curfew, is moving toward even harsher measures.  "Several scenarios are being studied," and among them is that of a "very strict lockdown," Paris government spokesman Gabriel Attal said.  "The 6 p.m. curfew throughout the country is having relative effectiveness and is not curbing enough,” he added.

Germany

Germany could soon impose travel restrictions, and increased border controls, to counter the spread of variants of the coronavirus.  The Minister of the Interior, Horst Seehofer, has presented a series of proposals in this regard but there are still no concrete plans, because Germany "intends to wait for the decisions that will be taken in Brussels on the measures to contain the virus”, explained spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer, the executive led by Angela Merkel.

Portugal

The situation in Portugal is dramatic, which today suspended all flights with Brazil. Lisbon has recorded a new record of deaths (293 in 24 hours) and hospitals are in a critical situation with a continuous increase in admissions and oxygen shortage.  The Portuguese government does not rule out the need to transfer patients to other European countries.  Germany has sent military medics to Portugal to evaluate the situation and see how they can help.

Belgium

Belgium, on the other hand, has placed a ban on non-essential travel abroad until March 1.  People who want to leave or enter the country must submit an affidavit to justify the move and must attach documents to prove it, in addition to the usual tracking form.      

Russia

Infections are decreasing in Moscow, whose mayor, Serghei Sobyanin, has announced the lifting of some restrictions: discos will re- open and bars and restaurants will be allowed to open at night.  In the last week the capital has recorded less than 3 thousand daily infections.  It was also reported that half of the beds i covid hospitals are free for the first time since June.  In fact, the mayor's announcement sees the city returning to almost normal life, with the only partial exception of cinemas, theaters and museums, which remain open at half capacity.  Nightclubs, bars, discos, karaoke parlors, and bowling alleys can also reopen between 23:00 and 6:00.  Social distancing rules remain in effect.