Germany Mulls Ban on Flights From U.K., South Africa, Bild Says
Germany Mulls Ban on Flights From U.K., South Africa, Bild Says
(Bloomberg) --
The German government is considering a ban on flights to and from the U.K. and South Africa due to coronavirus mutations detected in both countries, Bild reported on Sunday, citing sources in the health ministry.
Germany is preparing a regulation similar to the one in the Netherlands, which won’t allow air passengers from the U.K. to enter in the country until Jan. 1. Any new rules must be approved by the German cabinet.
U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned on Sunday the new mutant strain of the coronavirus is “out of control” and suggested parts of England will be stuck in the new highest tier of restrictions until a vaccine is rolled out.
A new variant of the coronavirus is also circulating in South Africa, driving a surge in infections in the country, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday. The variant, initially called 501.V2, was discovered during genetic testing.
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