The record of 61 infections by COVID-19 on a flight from Johannesburg (South Africa) who landed in Amsterdam (Netherlands) has set off alarms in Europe, which is closed due to the arrival of the new variant of the coronavirus (Omicron). The passengers who tested positive after this flight, along with the rest, were isolated in a hotel near the airport in the Dutch capital, and it is being investigated whether these cases have been caused by this new variant of COVID-19. Faced with this situation, the European Union announced the suspension of flights from South Africa and of others six countries from the south of the African continent. Regarding this variant, it is feared that it could be more contagious than the previous ones.
Two cases in the UK and two in Germany
Netherlands It has not been the only one to register new infections in the last 24 hours. Belgium confirmed one case of a woman who had not been vaccinated and who had made a trip to Egypt. The United Kingdom has confirmed two cases by Ómicron and Germany has also confirmed two cases in the Bavarian area. They landed in Munich on November 24 from South Africa. According to the words of the Minister of Social Affairs of the State of Hesse, Kai Klose, this new variant “has already arrived in Germany”.
First case in Italy
Italy is the latest country to confirm a positive case for Ómicron. A patient who was sequenced by the Sacco hospital in Milan, and who had traveled to Mozambique, but shows a picture of mild symptoms, according to ‘Il Corriere della Sera’.
In the case of the Czech Republic, the health authorities are working on the verification of a possible case. According to the Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, it’s about a woman what was in Namibia and returned to the Czech Republic, via South Africa and Dubai. Against this background, some countries have already tightened their restrictions.
Spain, without any case detected by Ómicron at the moment
Until now, Spain has not yet notified any case for this new variant of the coronavirus, although it has tightened controls on passenger arrivals from other countries.
Travelers from various African countries must present negative proof together with the COVID passport, while this will only be required for travelers from the UK. According to him BOE, entry requirements are limited for United Kingdom and for African countries like Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Telework, certificate and negative test, mandatory in Portugal
The Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa, declared the state of calamity in the country, and reported that as of December it will be Mandatory COVID passport and a negative test for any traveler who wants to enter the countryregardless of your nationality.
Not only will this measure be the only one decreed. From January 2 to 9, teleworking will be mandatory in the country and so much educational centers and nightlife venues must remain closed during the first week of 2022. The COVID passport will be required to enter restaurants, entertainment events, nightlife and for accommodations.
Belgium closes the nightlife
After reporting the first case for the Omicron variant, Belgium has announced the closure of nightlife. Whether funerals can be held, and restrictions on hospitality are maintained. For the concerts and especially for this Christmas, in the markets, the COVID passport will be required, which must be updated with the third booster dose. The Christmas market in Brussels is maintained, but those in Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven have been canceled.
Mandatory COVID passport in France
France also joins the countries that require the COVID passport. This will be essential to access all types of shops, businesses or establishments, and must be updated with the booster dose. If it is not managed, the certificate will expire. The vaccination campaign for the booster dose has already started in the country.
Germany requires a passport to work and public transport
Faced with the upward trend in infections and accumulated AI, Germany has decided to toughen its measures. Along with the mandatory vaccination for health workers and employees who work with vulnerable populations, COVID passport is mandatory to work. It will also be necessary if citizens decide to use the public transport.
UK suspends flights and increases restrictions
For its part, the United Kingdom announced the suspension of flights with South Africa. Restrictions have been increased in all countries. The COVID passport is mandatory throughout the UK, except for England. It also recovers the mandatory nature of masks in all spaces and only PCR tests are valid to enter the country.
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