As we approach the Yuletide season, countries around the world attempt to open up their borders and relax travel restrictions. However, some European countries may have hit a bump in the road!
Despite remarkable strides in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the European countries (such as Germany & Austria) have once again become the epicentre of this scourge, with thousands of COVID-19 cases soaring daily across these countries and the European continent.
This super spread seems to be the COVID-19 Delta variant, deemed to be more infectious and fast-spreading.
Considering this recent development, the US government has stepped up its international travel advisory to some parts of Europe. They warned citizens about travelling to Europe to maintain the progress of curbing the spread of the virus.
However, some European countries have declared a state of emergency, given lockdown rules, and instituted state travel bans, hoping to cut down on the numbers and mitigate the raging spread.
Are you travelling to Europe? This article gives an update on the situation in some parts of Europe.
Austria
Beginning Monday, November 29th, 2021, Austria will go into a complete national lockdown, with reports that other neighbouring countries, including Germany, may follow suit.
Austria became the first European country to declare COVID-19 vaccination as a legal mandate, due to take effect in February 2022. Although the specifics of implementation are yet to be determined.
From the news of the lockdown and the legal mandate declared by Austria’s government, the residents have been opposing the government’s intention.
We need to wait and see what happens!
Read also: COVID-19 GUIDELINES-LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP MOBILE COURTS FOR DEFAULTERS
Netherlands
The Dutch government has ordered a partial lockdown amid the COVID-19 surge.
Riots erupted across the Netherlands as police clashed with mobs of enraged adolescents as they protested these new COVID-19 restrictions.
Germany
The German nation will tighten restrictions on unvaccinated people, forcing them to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to board public transportation or access several indoor venues.
Germany has seen a historical rise in coronavirus infections in recent weeks, with hospitals warning of overcrowding in intensive care units.
Although the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, scientists estimate that only 68 percent of the German population is fully vaccinated. The vaccine statistics, according to experts, will not keep the pandemic under control.
Belgium
Belgium has requested a lockdown from all European Union (EU) member countries to protect its population from the coronavirus.
The latest COVID-19 wave has intensified Belgium’s work-from-home laws and strengthened its vaccination measures.
Violence also erupted to counter the lockdown measures.
United Kingdom
As part of a new aviation strategy, the UK will review its COVID-19 travel limitations in January 2022 and, as part of that, it is considering reforming its airport slots system.
Furthermore, airlines have complained that the requirement for day-2 COVID-19 tests and time-consuming passenger locator documentation has made it impossible for passengers to fly to and from the United Kingdom.
(Book your day 2 Vaccinated and Day 2 & 8 Unvaccinated UK post-arrival Covid tests here)
Read also: UK Relaxes COVID-19 Guidelines For Nigeria
Greece
Greece imposed a slew of new limitations to combat a COVID-19 infection rise that has raised the death rate to double the European Union average.
The limitation goes as far as having masks required in all workplaces. It will stagger public and private sector opening hours.
Following the order, residents will have access to indoor entertainment if they have received a vaccination certificate or have recently recovered from the virus.
Czech Republic
The Czech government has also tightened restrictions on unvaccinated residents to encourage the vaccination rate of more individuals in the face of rising illness rates.
They also stated that vaccinated and those recovering from the virus will have access to services like restaurants, and pubs.
Slovakia
Following a rise in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Eduard Heger is considering imposing a three-week lockdown. This is like what Austria has done.
Slovakia’s Ministry of Health showed that expert opinion would be vital in making any choice to keep the country safe.
In conclusion,
Are you planning on travelling to a country in Europe and need more information on travel requirements?
Call us or send a WhatsApp message to 07013368570. Stay tuned to the Medbury blog to stay abreast of the dynamics of travel restrictions globally.
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