MORE countries could be closed to Brits this summer following the government’s announcement that anyone returning to the UK from Spain will have to quarantine.
Thousands of tourists in Spain were warned they would have to self-isolate for 14 days on their return to the UK or face a £1,000 fine after Covid-19 cases in the country rose to more than 1,000 a day.
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Spain has been removed from the UK safe list, affecting thousands of Brits on holidayCredit: EPA
It is estimated some 600,000 Brits will be impacted by the collapse of the air bridge following the sudden announcement.
Speaking yesterday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned more countries could still be removed from the UK’s safe travel list.
He said it remained a possibility that people would have to cancel their holidays at the last moment, adding that he won’t be going abroad at all this summer.
He told Sky’s Sophy Ridge yesterday: “As we’ve found with Spain, we can’t give a guarantee.”
Mr Raab added: “There is an element of uncertainty this summer if people go abroad.
“I’m not going to tell people what they should or shouldn’t do. They should follow the advice.
The current ‘air bridge’ safe list includes around 70 destinations, including Greece, Italy and Croatia, although Portugal still remains off the list due to infection numbers.
Here are some of the other countries which could face last-minute travel bans.
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Cases of coronavirus have been rising in destinations in Europe
France
France currently has 69,521 active cases of coronavirus, and the country has seen a jump in infections in recent days.
Last week, 1,130 new cases of coronavirus were reported on Saturday, following 1,000 new infections on Thursday, prompting concerns of a second lockdown.
Just 81 new infections were confirmed on June 24.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex warned that while they want to avoid a full country lockdown, “localised lockdowns” could be expected.
Currently, Brits do not have to quarantine in France or the UK when on holiday, but face masks are being enforced from today in all public spaces.
There is an element of uncertainty this summer if people go abroad
Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary
Germany
Germany reported 800 new cases of coronavirus in one day last week, with officials warning that the second wave is “already there”.
While active cases remain under 7,000, new infections hit 781 last Friday, with 815 new infections on Thursday.
An entire farm with 500 people was quarantined in Bavaria, a state in Germany, after 174 staff tested positive.
Current travel advice allows quarantine-free travel between the UK and Germany, and face masks must be worn on public transport and in shops.
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France’s rising infections has prompted fears of further lockdowns as mask rules are brought forward from todayCredit: EPA
Italy
Cases of coronavirus have also risen in Italy, with fears of Rome being forced back into lockdown following a spike in the region of Lazio.
Last week, 306 cases were detected in 24 hours, following 280 on Wednesday and 128 on Tuesday.
Active cases remain at 12,565.
Italy’s health minister Roberto Speranza warned that a second wave of coronavirus is “possible” but added to local media: “We are out of the storm.”
Travelling to Italy is still allowed by the UK government, with no bans or quarantines in place.
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Malta
Malta has had some of the lowest cases of coronavirus in the world – but a spike in cases in recent days has raised concerns after tourists were welcomed back.
Active coronavirus cases doubled over the weekend, with 14 new cases, nine of which were linked to a hotel party earlier this month.
However, Prime Minister Robert Abela said they remain “open for business” despite the rising infections.
Brits have been welcome in Malta since July 15 without quarantine restrictions, although some restrictions are in place for public transport and attractions.
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