More than 40 countries around the world have suspended flights and imposed travel bans on the United Kingdom over fears of the new coronavirus strain.
The new coronavirus strain found in the United Kingdom (UK) has become a cause of concern globally. The UK government on December 20 said that the spread of the new coronavirus strain, which is reportedly more infectious, was out of control.
The new strain, which is named VUI-202012/01, is reportedly 70 per cent more infectious. Amid the fears that the pandemic situation will get worse once again, many countries around the world have imposed travel bans or limited travel to and from the UK. This is seen as a precautionary action to control the spread of the infection and limit the burden on the healthcare system, especially in the backdrop of the Christmas and holiday season.
More than 40 countries have reportedly banned all arrivals from the UK thus far. Check out the countries that have suspended travel from the UK to limit the spread of this infectious strain of novel coronavirus:
1. India suspends flights from the UK
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India is one of the countries that has suspended all flights originating from the United Kingdom temporarily in light of the pandemic situation there. The suspension starts from 11:59 pm on December 22 and will go on till 11:59 pm on December 31. (Image: Reuters)
2. Turkey, Saudi Arabia close borders
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In its bid to control the spread of the new strain of novel coronavirus, Saudi Arabia has decided to close its land borders and suspend international flights for one week. Turkey too temporarily suspended all flights from the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, and South Africa. (Image: Reuters)
3. Germany, Italy among other European countries impose travel bans
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Germany has also halted all its air links with the UK till December 31, though cargo flights will be exempted from this ban. Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, and Belgium are among other European countries to ban flights to and from the UK. (File Image)
4. Chile, Argentina in South America suspend UK flights
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The fear of the new coronavirus strain has made Argentina and Chile suspend flights from the UK. The Chilean government said that passengers who were in the UK in the last two weeks would be stopped from entering the country. (Image: Reuters)
5. Canada imposes ban on UK travel, the US considers the same
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While its northern neighbour Canada has banned all flights from the UK over the coronavirus variant, the health officials in the United States said that the UK travel ban was "on the table". (Image: Reuters)
