Federal government restricts air traffic from South Africa due to Corona variant

Corona mutation
Federal government restricts air traffic from South Africa due to Corona variant

Jens Spahn (CDU), Federal Minister for Health

© Michael Kappeler / DPA

Because of the newly emerged variant B.1.1.529 of the corona virus, the federal government is drastically restricting air traffic with South Africa. Germany will declare South Africa a virus variant area.

Because of the newly emerged variant of the corona virus, the federal government is drastically restricting air traffic with South Africa. The Federal Ministry of Health announced on Friday that the country will be considered a virus variant area from Saturday night. “As a result, airlines are only allowed to carry German citizens to Germany.” In addition, all those who have arrived would have to be in quarantine for 14 days – even if they are fully vaccinated.

As the ministry further announced, the new classification may also affect neighboring countries of South Africa. The newly discovered virus variant “worries us, so we are acting pro-actively and at an early stage”, explained the Managing Minister Jens Spahn (CDU). “The last thing we are missing now is a new variant that has been introduced and that causes even more problems.”

The EU also wants to stop air traffic from South Africa

Due to the corona variant B.1.1.529 discovered in South Africa, the EU Commission will propose to the member states to temporarily cease travel to the countries of southern Africa. The Commission wants to decide “in close coordination with the Member States” on the activation of this so-called emergency brake, said Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Friday on Twitter.

On Thursday evening, Great Britain had already announced the suspension of travel with South Africa and five other African countries. Singapore announced a restriction on air traffic with seven African countries.

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DPA
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