Finally traveling again – probably most of us have this wish. One or the other has certainly already booked their summer vacation in view of the falling incidences. But the contagious Delta variant is on the rise in Europe. What does this mean for the planned trip? We give an up-to-date overview.
Although the incidences continue to fall, concern about the spread of the delta variant in Europe continues to grow. In the UK, around 90 percent of new infections are due to the mutation. The UK has been a “virus variant area” since late May. Anyone who comes from there must be in quarantine for 14 days. Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, has shut down and imposed a lockdown to prevent the delta mutation from spreading across the country.
And how is the situation in this country? The current figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) show that the proportion of contagious delta variants of the corona virus has almost doubled within a week. Compared to the previous week, the value of the samples examined is now 15.1 percent , according to a report by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
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Delta variant continues to spread: summer vacation possible?
What does that mean for the planned summer vacation that many people long for? At the request of the Funke media group, Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, advises against traveling to such countries. “Travel to regions that are particularly affected by the Delta variant should be avoided.”
The problem is that countries in Europe test different amounts. Accordingly, there is no statistical significance here. Many tests were carried out in Germany, Spain, Belgium, France, Norway and Denmark. The delta variant occurs most rarely in Scandinavia.
Overview: Delta variant in the holiday countries
- In the Spanish tourist areas , there is also an increase in the delta variant. The incidence value of the Canary Islands cracked the 50 mark. However, Spain is continuing to relax, so the mask requirement outdoors will no longer apply this week.
- Greece only examines a few viruses for mutations. Masks are still compulsory outdoors. At the moment, with an incidence of 30, it is still possible to spend your vacation here.
- Italy is also currently a safe travel destination with an incidence of 11.6. The Delta variant doesn’t seem to be widespread yet – judging by the numbers. The delta variant was found in 5.4 percent of the cases examined.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns of a sharp rise in the Delta variant in Europe. By the end of August, around 90 percent of new infections in the EU could be attributed to the delta variant. “It is very likely that the Delta variant will circulate significantly during the summer, particularly among younger people who are not vaccinated,” Andrea Ammon, ECDC director, told Tagesschau .
What rules apply to travelers returning?
The federal government has laid down the regulations in the so-called coronavirus entry regulation. There, countries are divided into simple risk areas, high-incidence areas and virus variant areas . The regions in which an increased risk of corona infection has been identified count
as simple risk areas . These include Turkey and Sweden. A high incidence is a high incidence area . This is the case in countries like Egypt or Tunisia. Certain variants of the coronavirus have become widespread in a virus variant area. Portugal and Russia, for example, were recently classified as virus variant areas.
Those arriving from a simple risk area, variant or high incidence area must register their entry. Everyone has to be in quarantine afterwards. This can be circumvented when entering from a risk area with a negative rapid test, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination. A negative test result alone is not sufficient for high incidence areas and virus variant areas. Those entering the country have to be in quarantine for ten days or two weeks. There are exceptions with proof of recovery or proof of vaccination.
Protection against delta variant
What the Delta variant contains? A full vaccination . Studies have shown that the delta variant is more resistant to vaccines compared to the alpha variant or original virus. A simple vaccination with Biontech or AstraZeneca protects only 33 percent, according to British data.
What else stops the spread: Following the hygiene and distance rules, such as getting tested or wearing a mouth and nose protector.
