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Summary
- Many people from New Zealand stuck in the United Kingdom due to cancellation of flights.
- Singapore Airlines has a connecting flight to New Zealand from the UK. It has cancelled its flights and have assured the customers of a refund.
- This mutant strain of coronavirus has also arrived in Australia and has a likelihood to enter New Zealand as well.
Due to a new mutant strain of coronavirus moving fast and wide in the UK, several Kiwis who were supposed to head back to their home country are stranded in the UK, as more than 50 countries have imposed travel bans on flights from the UK.
More than 50 countries imposed the travel ban
The decision which was taken three days prior to Christmas has left many Kiwis stranded. The new strain of virus is being perceived to be more infectious. In fact, epidemiologists fear that the new strain is up to six times more infectious than the previous one. This is the reason behind so many airlines banning travel to the UK.
It may be noted that several European nations, including Austria and Italy, had banned flights coming from the United Kingdom, as early as Sunday (20 December).
Netherlands also halted flights from the UK for at least the remaining days of the year, while Belgium imposed a 24-hour flight suspension beginning on 20 December and even prevented rail transfers to Britain. Many countries have imposed flight bans to stop the further spread of the virus. Singapore Airlines imposed restrictions from 23 December followed by Hong Kong that has also put travel bans.
According to new regulations in the UK, people will have to stay at home only to venture out for essential work and shopping. Non-essential retails will remain close.
The mutant strain of coronavirus detected in Australia
Incidentally, this is the same strain that was found in Australia, recently. This news was confirmed by NSW (New South Wales) chief health officer Kerry Chant who stated that 2 passengers arriving from the UK had carried the new strain into the nation. The new COVID-19 variant is estimated to be 70% more infectious than earlier versions of the virus.
Connecting flights to New Zealand causing a bigger problem
Singapore Airlines has a connecting flight to New Zealand from the UK. It has also cancelled its flights and have assured the customers of a refund. According to Global waiver travel policy of the airline, the stranded passengers can avail of one of the following options: to retain the value of their ticket as flight credit, rebook or take a refund. Reservations made through travel agents were also protected by the airline’s waiver policy.
Singapore Airlines also stated that health and safety of its staff and customers was amongst the top concerns of the airline. The airline would continue to adopt all health and safety measures strictly.
