SPECULATION is growing that the government could add more countries to the quarantine list.
Greece, Turkey and Croatia are all seen as being vulnerable because of a mix of concerning infection rates and growing case numbers.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
3
Biarritz airport in southwestern France on Friday as Brit holidaymakers rushed home following the change in quarantine rules Credit: AP:Associated Press
Here’s everything you need to know about Greece, Turkey and Croatia as all become at risk of joining the quarantine list.
Greece
How many coronavirus cases have there been in Greece?
Until recently, Greece had a relatively low level of cases and had been praised for its handling of the pandemic.
The country has so far had 7,075 cases and 228 deaths.
But there are fears numbers could rise after troubling new infection data emerged, along with their being more than 1,000 new cases over the past week.
However, cases yesterday rose by 147, which is the lowest in the country since August 6.
What is the infection rate in Greece?
EU figures showed the country’s Covid-19 infections rate has risen in the last two weeks.
The number of infections is 13.4 per 100,000 people.
This compares to only 6.1 infections per 100,000 a fortnight ago.
Has Greece been in lockdown?
Greece headed into a quick and strict lockdown back in March as they watched infections rise rapidly in Italy.
By March 10, schools and universities were closed, and on March 13, cafes and restaurants followed.
Restrictions on movement were imposed on March 22.
The swift response meant Greece could begin to reopen its tourism industry by June.
But now with infections rising, bars and restaurants are being forced to curb their hours and Mykonos reportedly faces a local lockdown.
What are the quarantine rules in Greece?
At the moment, neither Brits heading to Greece or Greeks heading to these shores need to quarantine.
But this could change as infections rates rise and the government continues to impose quick restrictions on countries which show a bump in cases.
Italy has introduced mandatory testing for anyone who arrives from Greece (along with Croatia, Spain and Malta) with their infection rate appearing to worry other countries in Europe.
3
A couple wearing face masks watch the sunset on the Aegean Sea island of Mykonos, GreeceCredit: AP:Associated Press
Turkey
How many coronavirus cases have there been in Turkey?
On August 15, Turkey recorded its highest number of coronavirus cases since June as 1,256 new infections were discovered and 21 people died from the virus.
Yesterday, that number was 1,233.
Overall, that makes it 249,309 cases and 5,974 deaths.
What is the infection rate in Turkey?
The infection rate currently sits at 10.4 per 100,000, which is only slightly ahead of the UK’s 9.9 per 100,000, according to new data.
Usually when countries cross the 20 per 100,000 barrier, the government add them to the quarantine list.
Has Turkey been in lockdown?
Turkey entered into a swift lockdown as Covid-19 began to make its presence known in Europe.
But by June cafes and restaurants had reopened, intercity flights had resumed and stay at home orders were dropped.
There are reports that Turkey could re-enter a lockdown by next month as the government attempts to stem the rise in cases.
What are the quarantine rules in Turkey?
Similar to Greece, the UK has established an air bridge with Turkey which means holidaymakers from both countries do not have to quarantine upon arrival or on return.
But ministers will likely be watching the country closely to see if the infection rate rises any further.
3
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wearing a face mask as he walks through the Ayder village in the Black Sea city of Rize, Turkey,Credit: AP:Associated Press
Croatia
How many coronavirus cases have there been in Croatia?
Croatia has seen a relatively low 85 new infections in the last 24 hours, but it is their alarming infection rate which will concern their government.
Overall the country’s numbers now stand at 6,656 and 166 deaths.
What is the infection rate in Croatia?
The infection rate in Croatia is currently at 21.5 per 100,000 over the past week, leading to suggestions it could be the next holiday destination placed on the quarantine list.
That number is far higher than Turkey or Greece but their daily new infection rates are lower.
Has Croatia been in lockdown?
Croatia’s first case came at the end of February and swift steps were taken to shut down borders soon after.
After getting the situation under control, there have been attempts since the beginning of summer to get travellers back in, with the economy benefitting hugely from tourism.
VAN WITH A PLAN
Man transforms builder’s van into £39k campervan over 3-month lockdown
DRIVE-THRU
Travel loophole allows Brits using Eurotunnel to avoid French quarantine
THE FULL LIST
UK quarantine list: Which countries are on it?
GAT IN
Wizz Air opens Gatwick hub with £22…
Continue Reading: Source Link