survey
Would you still travel to Italy?
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More than 9100 people in Italy have been infected with the virus and 463 have died as of Tuesday morning, March 10, 2020. Italy is by far the most affected country in Europe. This fact has now led to reactions from other countries: Germany, Austria and England strongly advise their citizens not to travel to Italy.
Travel warning as in war or civil war-like situations
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a full travel warning for Italy on Tuesday morning. The security level has been raised to the highest level six. The Foreign Ministry generally only issues full travel warnings in special crisis situations, for example in war or civil war-like situations in a country or when there is a general risk to life and limb. Austrians are strongly advised to come back from Italy.
Austria imposes a freeze on entry for Italians
Austria immediately imposed an entry stop for people from Italy on Tuesday afternoon. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said: “The primary goal is to prevent exchanges and thus carry them into our society.” There is said to be an exception for people with a medical certificate.
Since early Tuesday morning, Malta has cut all passenger connections to Italy. The flights between the two countries would be canceled immediately, said Prime Minister Robert Abela. The ferries that run daily between Malta and Sicily would only be used to transport medical goods and other freight. The island of Malta is dependent on daily imports, especially on food that comes mainly from Italy.
Switzerland is waiting
However, the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs only refers to the measures that Italy has taken. It also says that the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet issued travel restrictions. Switzerland does not currently issue its own travel warning or the recommendation to return to Switzerland.
“Follow the instructions of the Italian authorities,” the website says. Flights to Rome, for example, can still be booked for Tuesday without any problems (as of Tuesday morning at 10.15 a.m.). So far, the European Union has not issued a travel warning for Italy.
The EDA has not yet issued a statement.
(dgr / sda)
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