Coronavirus: Spain removed from Government list of safe countries following rise in cases

People in the Diss area who were considering a holiday to Spain might be changing their plans this morning.

That's because the country has been removed from the Government's list of safe countries to travel to, following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases.

Ministers announced last night that anyone who is currently in Spain, or who travels to the country, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.

The Foreign Office has also updated its advice to caution against all but essential travel to the country.

And the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, is reported to be among British holidaymakers who are currently in Spain.

In Spain, Catalonia has become the latest region to crack down on nightlife, trying to halt new infection clusters.

The wealthy north-east region ordered all nightclubs to close for 15 days and put a midnight curfew on bars in the greater Barcelona area and other towns around Lleida that have become contagion hot zones.

Authorities in the country have warned that they could be facing the start of a second major outbreak, having already endured 28,000 deaths from the disease.

The announcement about the removal of a so-called “air bridge” with Spain comes only a day after a further five countries were added to the quarantine-free list for people travelling to England.

Anyone coming from Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines will not be required to isolate for two weeks on arrival, the Government confirmed on Friday.

Popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Thailand and the United States remain notable absentees.

The Government said people should continue to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and their insurance policies before embarking on any overseas travel.

Ministers had previously warned that travel corridors could be closed if coronavirus rates escalated in other nations.

Travellers, even those from exempt destinations, are still required to complete a passenger locator form when they arrive in the UK.

Is this affecting your holiday plans? Email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk