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As it happenedended

Coronavirus travel news: Countries move to close borders as pandemic spreads

Qin Xie
Friday 13 March 2020 07:14 EDT
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'60 per cent' of public need to contract coronavirus for herd immunity to take effect

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There are currently more than 125,000 confirmed coronavirus cases around the world, with more than 5,000 deaths.

In a bid to contain the virus and stop its spread, an increasing number of countries are locking down their borders and imposing travel restrictions.

With bans being announced and implemented at the last minute, those abroad are left scrambling to get home as airlines and cruise companies announce unprecedented cancellations.

See what was our live blog below

The Independent has compiled a list of cancelled flights from major airlines. However, for the latest cancellations, you should check directly with the airline you're travelling with. 

Qin Xie13 March 2020 12:47

Peru has announced a ban on all flights arriving from Europe and Asia. The FCO said the ban is expected to come into force from Sunday 15 March. 

This will likely mean that outgoing flights will be drastically reduced as well.  

At the moment, Peru has 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus and zero deaths according to the World Health Organisation. 

Qin Xie13 March 2020 12:51

Austria will be closing a number of ski resorts from Sunday 15 March.

The affected regions are Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg. The hotels in these regions will close on Monday 16 March.

The FCO advised those in the region to contact their tour operator or airline.

Following the lockdown in Italy, direct flights and trains between Austria and Italy have also been affected. The border hasn't been closed, however. To make the crossing between the two countries, you will need a medical certificate. 

According to the FCO: 

Anyone wishing to cross the border is required to hold a medical certificate. The certificate needs to include the result of molecular biological test and must be no more than four days old, in English, German or Italian.  

Qin Xie13 March 2020 13:05

In London, a tube driver who works on the Jubilee Line has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

The man has been self-isolating since returning from a holiday to Vietnam and has not returned to work, according to Press Association

Transport for London (TfL) said the driver is currently receiving support from health services. He was not working in a customer-facing area, according to a spokesperson for TfL 

Qin Xie13 March 2020 13:27

The FCO is now advising against non-essential travel to the Czech Republic. It said:

From midnight on Friday 13 March, (i.e. between Friday 13 March and Saturday 14 March), travel to and from the Czech Republic from a list of 15 ‘at risk’ countries, including the UK, will not be permitted. There are exemptions to this rule, including UK citizens with permanent or temporary residency in the Czech Republic.  

Tourists are not exempt from the restrictions and will not be permitted entry. UK tourists already in the country are still allowed to leave. 

 If you're currently in the country, you should contact your travel provider.

The Independent has already received reports of flights from the Czech republic being cancelled. 

Qin Xie13 March 2020 13:49

Direct Line Group, which owns Direct Line and Churchill brands, has now stopped selling travel insurance to new customers.

The firm said in a statement: 

Due to the impact that coronavirus is having across the world we have experienced a huge increase in demand for travel insurance. 

Our priority is to protect and service our existing customers and therefore we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the sale of travel insurance to new customers so that we can focus on our existing customers.

We have not taken this decision lightly and we carefully considered many different options prior to reaching this decision.

For our customers who already hold a travel insurance policy with us there is no change and they can continue to contact us to make a claim or amend their policy.

A number of other travel insurance firms have also been pulling their products due to coronavirus.

Qin Xie13 March 2020 14:03

The Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder reports that Malta has extended mandatory quarantine to those who arrive in Malta from any country. The smallest member of the European Union is heavily dependent on tourism, particularly from the UK.

helen.coffey13 March 2020 14:20

The majority of airlines are now allowing passengers to change both past and future bookings free of charge, waiving the normal rebooking fee. 

EasyJet said in a statement: “We understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us but would prefer not to fly then from 13 March 2020 you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee.

“This applies to all existing and new bookings until further notice.”

helen.coffey13 March 2020 14:33

Norway is asking foreigners to leave, says Foreign Office:

The Norwegian government advises that travellers from countries outside the Nordic region who are not residents of Norway will be asked to return. Those still wishing to enter will be required to enter self-quarantine for 14 days.

helen.coffey13 March 2020 14:42

Vietnam has announced that from noon Vietnam time on 15 March foreign nationals will be refused entry if in the previous 14 days they have been to the UK, or any Schengen country, even in transit. This restriction will be in place for 30 days.

helen.coffey13 March 2020 14:42

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