UNITED KINGDOM: European countries opt to suspend flights to the UK
A number of European countries have opted to suspend flights to and from the UK with immediate effect, following developments in the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 within parts of England. Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria have thus far confirmed the cancellation of flights, and further nations could follow, as reports suggest that Germany and France are currently considering a similar move. Eurostar has also announced that no train services will operate between London, Brussels and Amsterdam on 21 December, with further suspensions beyond that date possible.