UK: London City Airport resumes commercial flights June 21 /update 27

Event

London City Airport (LCY) resumed commercial flights as of Sunday, June 21, after nearly three months of no commercial or private flights due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Initially flights will be restricted to those within the UK and Ireland. Additional flights to countries elsewhere in Europe are likely to recommence in the coming weeks. LCY's website should be monitored for the latest updates regarding flight options.

On June 15, UK authorities confirmed that travel will be permitted to Spain from Sunday, June 21, amid further loosening of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The announcement follows the Spanish government's determination that they will reopen their borders 10 days earlier than previously planned. Despite the early reopening, the UK government still advises against any nonessential travel.

Furthermore, from June 15, retail parks and shopping centers have reopened following a three-month closure. An official 2 m (6.6 ft) social distancing requirement remains in effect, as does occupancy limits.

As of June 21, health authorities have confirmed 305,803 cases of COVID-19 in the UK, with 42,717 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.