The UK tourism industry described Malta’s unexpected decision to ban all tourists as “confusing” unless they are double-vaccinated. This development raises concerns that other European countries will follow suit, as the Delta variant continues to grow rapidly across the African continent.
Chris Fearne, the health minister of the Mediterranean island nations, used his unexpected decision this weekend as a “selling point” for tourists who want to feel safe.
But the British tourism industry announced on Thursday Double stab travelers don’t have to be isolated When returning from the destination on the Amber list, he expressed his hope that Malta’s position would be a one-off.
“This is quite confusing for the customer, because in addition to our own requirements, there are [other] The country itself and its perspective,” said a spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta).
When Malta took action, many countries have experienced a surge in infections caused by the more contagious delta virus. Tourism hotspots such as Spain, Greece and Portugal have seen the same number of new cases each day as the United Kingdom.
Nevertheless, Abta believes that popular European destinations will remain open.
“No one has a crystal ball, but countries such as Spain and Greece are very keen to get British holidaymakers back.
“In general, throughout Europe, they are very keen to welcome back British holidaymakers, especially if they have been double-vaccinated,” the spokesperson said.
Even so, tensions have been increasing, and some people are eager to go on vacation Cause unpleasant reports From Covid-19 vaccinators.
The doctor recorded instances of abuse, threats, and aggression that people demanded to have a second jab as early as possible so that they could travel. In one incident, vaccinators called the police after worrying about their safety.
Malta’s decision-effective from Wednesday-bans people 12 years and older if they have not received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine. In fact, the island’s standard is to prohibit travel for children between 12 and 18 years of age because the UK does not vaccinate children.
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can travel with their fully vaccinated parents or guardians, as long as they show evidence that a PCR test performed within 72 hours before arrival is negative.
OurWorldinData data shows that in the past two weeks, the number of daily infections in Spain and Greece has more than quadrupled, from the 7-day average of 76 and 35 parts per million, respectively, to 316 and 149, respectively. The number of cases in Portugal has doubled from 120 to 253.
France is slightly behind the curve, with the number of infections rising from 29 parts per million to 49 parts per million. However, Germany is still relatively stable, with about nine infections per million people every day.
Last week, French European Minister Clément Beaune warned residents to avoid vacations in Spain and Portugal unless they have already booked, stating that “it is better to stay in France or go to other countries”.
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a televised speech to the country tomorrow evening. It is widely expected that he will announce new measures, which may include mandatory vaccination for health workers.
As governments try to contain the further spread of the virus, stricter measures across Europe seems inevitable, and stricter entry restrictions may be adopted—especially in northern countries whose economies are not particularly dependent on tourism.
Last month, when the number of infections in the UK rose significantly faster than other parts of Western Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to ban travelers from the UK within the EU, but faced opposition from the southern countries. failure.
During the peak season, British holidaymakers alone can bring nearly 500 million euros in income to the Spanish economy in a week. Countries that rely on tourism will seek to resist the new pressure imposed by the North on EU-wide entry restrictions for as long as possible.
After the European Union introduced a digital green certificate to allow fully vaccinated, immunized or tested passengers to travel freely within the European Union for just one week, stricter national restrictions on bars, restaurants, and nightlife in many countries seem almost inevitable—new The travel restrictions cannot be ruled out.
