Netherlands ban flights from UK after detecting new coronavirus variant
FILE PHOTO: People wearing protective face masks stand, as Schiphol Airport reduces its flights due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Amsterdam, Netherlands April 2, 2020. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
Netherlands will ban flights carrying passengers from the United Kingdom from Sunday as Britain detected a new coronavirus variant.
A travel ban will remain in place until Jan. 1, the government said in a statement early Sunday, adding that it is monitoring developments and is considering additional measures regarding other modes of transport.
Netherlands added that in early December, sampling of a case in the country had revealed the same virus variant as that found in the UK.
In measures to control the spread of virus, government issued a “do not travel” advisory, unless it is absolutely essential.
The ban came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scientists announced on Saturday that the new variant of coronavirus identified in the country is up to 70% more infectious.
Article continues after this advertisementJohnson also said London and southeast England, which are currently in the highest level of a three-tier system of rules, would now be placed in a new Tier 4 level.
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
