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Coronavirus: Travel restrictions imposed as Spain declares state of emergency

A clampdown on travel to Spain has been imposed overnight after a state of emergency was declared in the country for at least two weeks to fight coronavirus.

Jet2 flights to Spanish destinations had to return to the UK yesterday as it suspended services to the country.

Tui has cancelled holidays to Spain until at least March 29.

Spanish services by easyJet from March 17-29 will be cancelled and only a number of rescue flights will operate due to government flight restrictions being introduced from Monday.


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The budget carrier said it planned to run a normal schedule to, from and within Spain today and tomorrow (Monday) to try and allow as many people as possible to return home.

The Foreign Office changed its travel advice shortly after midnight to advise against all but essential travel to Spain, which attracted 18 million British holidaymakers last year.

The state of emergency announced on Saturday introduced a series of measures including “significant restrictions” on movement throughout the country in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Spain has recorded more than 6,300 cases of the virus with more than 190 deaths, the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy.

The FCO said: “Transport services will be operating at reduced levels.

“Public gatherings are banned, most shops other than those selling food or other essential items such as pharmacies will be closed, many businesses and all schools and universities are closed, and all citizens have been instructed to remain at home except when going about a limited set of activities in particular to buy food or other essential items, to return home to their primary residence, to go to hospital or other health centres, to go to work (if unable to work from home), to carry out caring or similar duties or in case of real need.

“UK nationals currently in Spain should follow the advice of local authorities.

“Anybody planning to travel to Spain should consult their airline or tour operator.”

Australia coronavirus self-isolation

Meanwhile, passengers arriving in Australia from all other countries – with the exception of the Pacific Islands – will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from midnight local time.

This matches requirements imposed by New Zealand.

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