Belgium suspends UK flights, trains over more infectious coronavirus strain

After a more infectious coronavirus strain reinstated fear in the UK,
Belgium has suspended flights and trains arriving from Britain from midnight
(2300 GMT) on Sunday, a government official told AFP.

The ban will be imposed for at least 24 hours, Prime Minister Alexander
De Croo told Belgian television channel.

This sudden decision came after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed
a lockdown in London and and parts of southeast England till at least December
30.

The sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in the UK was linked to the new
coronavirus variant, that is thought to be 70% more infectious compared to the
other strains. 

The new strain was supposedly discovered
in a patient in September. However, its repercussions have only been discovered
during remodelling on Friday, Susan Hopkins of
Public Health England told Sky News.

Netherlands also imposed a ban on all UK passenger flights
on Sunday which came into effect from 6 am (0500 GMT) and will last under
January 1

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Belgium’s move would have an impact on flights and Eurostar train
service that runs from London.

Germany is also considering joining Belgium in its move to bar flights
from the UK and South Africa, where the variant has also been detected, a
health ministry source there told AFP.

It is still unclear whether this prohibition on travellers from the
United Kingdom would apply to all EU countries.

If this travel ban continues till January, it could add to transport
problems caused by Brexit deal.