France to ease travel restrictions with UK amid worries over new COVID-19 strain

European Commission is urging member states to lift ban on travel to United Kingdom, which has been imposed due to a new coronavirus variant. With this, France relaxed its ban on trucks coming from UK on Tuesday, December 22. According to reports by AP, French authorities said that delivery drivers could enter by ferry or tunnel if y showed proof of a negative test for virus. Also, select passengers will be allowed back on continent. 

France to ease travel ban

France also said that it would allow EU travelers, along with British citizens and EU residency, to come back to country if y tested positive for virus. Approximately 2,800 truck drivers have been near England Channel port of Dover. Authorities have urged m to avoid ports until y get tested. French Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, in a statement said that in coming hours testing sites would be set up so that British truckers could make it to continent. He said that quick tests will be accepted if y are able to detect new virus variant. 

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Apart from France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Bulgaria, Irish Republic, Turkey, India and Cana are or few countries out of 40 countries that have suspended flights with UK. UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday h anunced that scientists have identified a new variant of COVID-19 virus which could spre faster than previous strain. Based on preliminary modelling data, New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats visory Group (NERVTAG) w consider that new strain can spre significantly more quickly and could increase R by 0.4 or more. Johnson's CMO Chris Whitty on Saturday said that United Kingdom has alrey informed World Health Organisation (WHO) about new strain of COVID-19 virus. 

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WHO, on or hand, called for stronger containment measures across Europe. According to Associated Press, Cana and Poland are among latest countries to halt flights from UK, following le of many in Europe. France, Germany, Italy, Nerlands, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Ireland and Bulgaria were among those who on Sunday h anunced widespre restrictions on flights from Britain.

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