RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Spanish government said on Tuesday, March 23rd, that it will extend the limitations on entry into its territory of passengers coming from Brazil and South Africa, which were to be suspended at the end of this month, at least until April 13th.
The decision was introduced as a preventive measure against the coronavirus variants found in the two countries. The UK, on the other hand, whose strain is much more present on European soil, will see its passengers allowed back into Spain as of March 30th.
“The extension of the flight restriction is maintained with South Africa and Brazil, but not with the United Kingdom,” Spanish government spokeswoman María Jesús Montero said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting.
Although the so-called “British” strain, much more contagious and, according to some studies, much more deadly than the others, is very present in Europe, and even predominant in some regions, the Spanish authorities have decided to open their doors to travelers from the UK because of the advances made by the British in the fight against the pandemic.
The European country with the highest death toll from Covid-19, the UK has already administered the first dose of vaccine to almost 28 million people, while in France, for example, less than 9 million have had a first dose of the immunization.
However, Spain is not expecting an immediate resumption of tourism from the UK, since the British government currently bans trips abroad, making only a few exceptions. London is considering imposing a fine of £5,000 (more than R$37,000) for those who try to travel outside British territory.
As for Brazil and South Africa, the restrictions in place since February 2nd will be extended at least until April 13th. Initially the measures were to be suspended on March 30th.
Currently, if departing from Brazil or South Africa, only passengers with Spanish or Andorran nationality, or foreigners with official residence in Spain, can disembark in the European country.
An exception is made for transit passengers, but they cannot leave the airport or stay for more than 24 hours. All other travelers must present a negative PCR test upon disembarkation.
Spain is one of the countries that have suffered the most from the pandemic, along with the UK, France, and Italy. More than 3.2 million cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed on Spanish soil, and more than 73,000 people have died from the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, 5,516 new infections were registered in Spain and 201 deaths were added to the pandemic balance in the country.
Source: Época