Denmark travel corridor at risk as Greece joins 'amber list'

Emma Featherstone
·23 min read
Copenhagen - Getty
Copenhagen - Getty

Denmark is at risk of losing its travel corridor with the UK this week, while mainland Greece has moved into the “amber zone”.

The seven-day infection rate per 100,000 residents has reached 28.8 in Denmark, putting it above “red-listed” Jamaica and Belgium. The threshold at which the Government considers adding a country to its holiday quarantine list is a seven-day rate of 20 cases per 100,000 people.

Greece’s rolling seven-day rate is now 15.4 cases per 100,000 residents, tipping it into the “amber zone” alongside Italy (16.5 cases per 100,000).

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to the Greek islands of Crete, Lesvos, Mykonos, Santorini, Serifos, Tinos and Zakynthos.

As of September 9, arrivals from these islands to England and Northern Ireland are subject to 14 days of self-isolation; Wales has quarantine restrictions in place for Mykonos, Zakynthos (Zante), Lesvos, Paros and Antiparos, Crete, Santorini, Serifos and Tinos.

Mainland Greece remains on the UK’s quarantine-free list. However, arrivals to Scotland from anywhere in Greece are required to self-isolate.

Scroll down for the latest travel updates.

04:04 PM

What happened today?

Here's a recap of main stories:

  • France records over 10,000 daily cases of Covid-19
  • Europe deploys new measures to mitigate against coronavirus second wave
  • Australian Covid hotspot plans to ease lockdown
  • Treasury to end tax-free sales at airports
  • Ireland vows to join EU's Covid-19 travel scheme

​Catch-up with the rest below.

03:57 PM

An evening read: 'My sister closed her eyes and pointed at St Lucia – that's how I met the love of my life'

While on a trip to the Caribbean, Rachel Luca found something she wasn't expecting.

Praslin Bay - Getty

Then suddenly, there he was next to me. Tall, tanned and handsome, he had a soft voice and a charming smile. One hand extended, the other pulling up a seat, he announced that his name was Pierre. For the next few hours, we sat like neat dominoes, leaning into each other with our conversation. 

Pierre was from South Africa. He was working in St Lucia for an accounting firm, after a three-year stint in London. His plan was to work in the Caribbean for two years and then return to Cape Town. He missed his home.

Within a very short space of time, I felt like I’d known Pierre for a very long time. He was the close friend with whom you never run out of things to say. The companion you can tell ­anything to without judgment. 

Our conversation flowed with such ease and authenticity it felt like an embrace. We met up a few more times ­before I had to catch my flight back to England. It was sad to say goodbye but we exchanged email addresses and agreed to stay in touch. As my plane took off, I was already looking forward to returning to St Lucia to see him again. 

Read the full story.

03:45 PM

In pictures: views from elsewhere

As England prepares for the 'rule of six' to be imposed from Monday, countries around the world are in different stages of resuming life as somewhat normal. 

washington square park pianist - Getty
swimmers during the 22nd edition of the "Le Defi Monte-Cristo"  - Getty
folk dancers - AFP

03:26 PM

Boeing executive defend safety decisions on 737 Max development

Two senior Boeing executives who oversaw the development of the 737 MAX defended the company's decisions on a key cockpit system later tied to two fatal crashes, according to testimony before congressional investigators seen by Reuters.

Michael Teal, then 737 MAX chief product engineer, and Keith Leverkuhn, who was vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, were questioned separately by investigators for the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May.

The House panel is to release a final report next week on its investigation into the development of the plane, grounded since March 2019 after two crashes killed 346 people.

03:06 PM

Replace quarantine with tests for arrivals from 'high risk' countries, says Swiss tourism industry

Visitors from Covid-19 high risk countries should be able to travel to Switzerland with negative a tests and not have to go into quarantine, say tourism officials.

Those entering Switzerland from one of the high risk coronavirus countries on a list - which does not currently include the UK - overseen by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health must quarantine for ten days on arrival, or risk a fine.

Ahead of the winter season, the effective holiday ban for visitors from countries such as France is a huge concern for the tourism industry.

“If French guests are absent in the autumn and winter season, we will be hit hard,” Martin Nydegger, director of Switzerland Tourism, told the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper.

02:43 PM

Lapland may struggle to test tourists, admits Finnish health expert

Health officials in Lapland are facing a race against the clock to prepare enough Covid-19 tests in time for the holiday season, reports Tom Mulvihill.

The Finnish national government will reopen the country’s borders on September 19 – visitors from countries with daily infection rates of 25 per 100,000 or above will be required to take a Covid-19 test within three days of arrival.

Some 50,000 tourists are expected to fly in to the northernmost region of Lapland when the winter season starts in November, but there are concerns that the authorities will not be able to cope.

Markku Broas, chief physician of infectious diseases at Lapland Hospital District, said: "Acquiring devices and reagents is really difficult right now. These two months that we have left before the season starts are the absolute minimum for getting everything ready."

northern lights - Getty

02:26 PM

How to get a Covid test for your holiday

A number of countries are demanding arrivals present evidence of a recent negative coronavirus test, leaving holidaymakers scrambling to get a test and certificate declaring them Covid-free.

NHS tests (either at home or a testing site) are only available to those with symptoms of the virus and the people they live with, as well as patients heading into hospital for surgery or residents of virus hotspots.

So, if you feel well but need to prove you are Covid-free, then the best course of action is booking a private test. 

Emma Beaumont has broken down how they work and what to look out for when ordering one. 

02:16 PM

Tourist hotspots of Cancun and Riveira Maya move to next stage of reopening

The Governor of Quintana Roo has announced that the Mexican state has reduced risk of Covid-19 transmission.

This wallows Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya to move to the next stage of tourism reopening, which includes increased hotel capacities and the opening of archaeological tourist attractions. 

The following  archaeological zones are now open to visitors:

  • Tulum
  • Cobá
  • San Gervasio
  • Muyil

Mexico is not included on the UK's list of travel corridors.

02:06 PM

Scotland records 244 additional Covid-19 cases

A total of 244 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland in the past 24 hours, the latest Scottish Government figures show –the highest daily figure since May 6.

The statistics show that 22,679 people have now tested positive in Scotland, up from 22,435 the day before. This is 3.7 per cent of newly-tested individuals.

01:57 PM

New social gathering rules: here's what you can't do from Monday – and the exemptions

The number of people that can attend social gatherings will be slashed to six in England following a rise in Covid-19 cases.

What are the new rules?

  • Any gathering of more than six people in England will be illegal from Monday Sep 14, unless it meets one of a limited list of exemptions
  • This applies to gatherings both indoors and outdoors
  • The new rule does not apply to households or bubbles of more than six, or gatherings for work or education
  • Weddings, funerals, and organised team sports carried out in a Covid-secure way are also exempt
  • People will at first be fined £100, but this will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200
  • No longer voluntary, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses must now legally collect customers' details to aid with contact tracing. 
  • Covid-secure 'marshals' will be hired to monitor rules are being followed
  • Provisional plan to reopen stadiums and conference halls on Oct 1 will now be reviewed

Read the guide in full.

01:40 PM

A postcard from Aldeburgh, the Suffolk seaside town that's bouncing back

This coastal favourite, which offers classier-than-average shops and restaurants, is seeing its summer season stretch into September, writes James Litston. 

The Scallop at Aldeburgh beach - Getty

01:30 PM

India records over 94,000 daily Covid cases

India reported 94,372 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, as infection numbers rose in several states amid a gradual opening up of businesses.

While several states showed a rise in infections, including the capital New Delhi and the central Chhattisgarh state, the highest numbers were from the India’s biggest and richest state, Maharashtra, which reported 8,204 fresh cases.

01:25 PM

Rangers criticize person who flew through Durdle Door arch using a jet pack

Lulworth Rangers have released a video which shows a person using a device to fly along the famous World Heritage Coast, reports the Dorset Echo.

They are seen to fly through the iconic arch before returning and hovering beneath it before flying off out of sight.

Rangers and the Lulworth Estate said rather than 'glorifying' the stunt they wanted to release the video to show how the coast was being 'exploited'.

People have been injured jumping from the arch into the sea. There has been anger over litter  left at the coast as thousands made their way along narrow roads to get to the secluded beaches. 

01:03 PM

Benedict Allen: 'Bernard, an overweight sled dog, proved his worth on the Bering Strait'

Adventurer Benedict Allen remembers the heroic dogs who pulled him through on an Arctic expedition in the nineties.

sled dogs - Getty

The front one I dubbed Top Dog – he was surely the leader – while Flashy White, the colossal creature alongside, was his bodyguard. Jeremy – he seemed to be a border collie – somehow served as the brains of the outfit, and the strongest were Muttley and Dennis at the back. Each team member, in fact, had his role. All except Bernard – he looked like an overweight St Bernard – who didn’t even bother pulling. Evidently, this dog regarded each day not as another bitter struggle through the unforgiving tundra, but as his walkies.

Read the full story

12:40 PM

Air France-KLM survival at risk without cost cuts

Air France-KLM might not survive if the airline group cannot reduce its costs, Dutch Finance minister Wopke Hoekstra said today.

“The survival of Air France-KLM is not a given,” Hoekstra said in an interview on Dutch public television.

“They will have to address their cost base even as things stand now. And suppose this situation lasts until the end of next year, then they will have to cut even deeper.”

Air France-KLM’s immediate future was secured by the French and Dutch governments in July, as they provided a total of €10.4 billion (£9.6 billion) in bailout loans and guarantees to help the group survive amid the pandemic.

12:27 PM

Ireland vows to join EU's Covid-19 travel scheme

The Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, has confirmed that Ireland will drop its strict quarantine rules in order to join a proposed EU-wide scheme.

Travellers arriving in Ireland are currently required to self-isolate for 14 days, with just 10 exemptions for other countries in Europe (including Italy, Greece and Norway, but not the UK).

The EU proposes to create a standardised approach to quarantine across its member states, with a common threshold of weekly cases per 100,000 to determine whether a country is foisted with travel restrictions.

12:12 PM

What happened when Kay Burley took her high-flying friend on a 'tolt' through the Icelandic wilds

When equinophobe Kay Burley convinced her busy friend Julia to leave work and accompany her to Iceland, she found there was a price to pay – a horseback adventure through the island's rugged landscape. She writes:

We began to tolt along the volcanic pathway that wound its way up through the valley, Julia encouraging me to enjoy the snow-covered scenery and look out toward the Arctic Circle less than 25 miles away. I offered her a fixed smile and a silent prayer to Centaur, or whoever the god of horses might be, that I could remain in the saddle. You learn so much from discovering what you’re capable of and there’s no better teacher than a 15-year-old mare in her prime.

Read the full story.

kay burley

12:01 PM

Plane recyclers start to circle struggling airlines as passenger numbers flatline

With many of the world's planes still grounded, and plenty more entering early retirement as airlines struggle with plunging passenger numbers, one industry is anticipating a period of prosperity.

Aviation salvage companies, which specialise in dismantling retired aircraft in order to resell parts, are enjoying a supply glut thanks to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the airline industry.

With air traffic through the floor, airlines are choosing to ditch their older planes much earlier than planned in a bid to cut down on maintenance costs – BA has already decommissioned its entire fleet of 747s, and experts predict that as many as 1,000 planes could be retired each year until 2023.

Fearing that an oversupply of parts will depress the market, many salvage companies are now choosing to stockpile planes as they wait for demand to push prices even higher.

11:48 AM

Indonesia reports sixth consecutive day of over 3,000 new infections

Indonesia has reported its sixth consecutive day of over 3,000 new  Covid-19 cases, as the capital city of Southeast Asia's most populous country prepares to re-impose social distancing restrictions.

New infections today reached 3,636 with new deaths at 73, according to data from the health ministry (you can see the trajectory of the outbreak in Indonesia in the chart below).

To try and stem the spread of the virus in Jakarta, employees of businesses considered non-essential will be required to work from home from Monday. Certain government workers will be allowed to work from offices.

Markets and shopping centres will be permitted to stay open with admittance at half capacity, and restaurants within shopping centres will be allowed to operate for take-out only, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan told a news briefing. 

11:31 AM

'I'll miss the vibrant lobby of Ace Hotel Shoreditch, where east London came to life'

With good music and a sense of community, Precious Adesina will miss her favourite spot now it has closed down because of the pandemic: 

There are few young people who happily spent a good chunk of their social life pre-lockdown in a five-star hotel lobby, but that is exactly how I tended to pass my days before the pandemic, and it's sad to learn that my favourite spot will never reopen its doors because of coronavirus.

When Ace Hotel opened in 2013, it quickly became synonymous with a kind of cool that’s particular to Shoreditch, where I grew up.

The space, with its communal tables, bar and art gallery, was full of character. It was sympathetic to the area’s historical status as a makers’ hub. This is where all the cobblers, ropemakers, ship builders and silk weavers worked. The cork ceiling, timber floor and leather chairs bring that to mind. 

Read the full story.

11:23 AM

How have cases risen in Greece?

As Greece moves into the "amber zone", here's an overview of new cases in the country:

11:10 AM

France records over 10,000 daily cases

France reported 10,561 new cases in 24 hours on Saturday. The country was added to the UK’s quarantine-list on August 13 - arrivals from France are subject for 14 days of self-isolation. 

On Friday, French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced plans to speed up testing and toughen measures in certain cities as the government seeks to avoid a repeat of the nationwide lockdown earlier this year.

10:45 AM

Watch: Londoners enjoy nightlife prior to new Covid-19 restrictions

10:42 AM

First look: The Loire Valley's latest château hotel ditches luxury in favour of nature and wellbeing

Rustic and restrained, Les Sources de Cheverny offers an alternative vision of the classic French château stay, writes Jane Knight:

The château is home to 13 of the 49 rooms, including mine, its palette of green furnishings accented by the wooden desk and cute bedside tables sourced by Alice from local flea markets. It’s calming and comfortable rather than overtly opulent. 

Like many of the rooms, scattered among old farm buildings and superb wooden Scandi-inspired suites, it can accommodate children. If you’re there for ­romance, however, the place to book is the signature suite in a wooded cabin with its own barrel bath in the lake, which opens later this month. It’s not far from the gourmet restaurant, which won’t be open until spring.

Read the full story.

Les Sources de Cheverny is a chic new addition to the hotel scene of the Loire Valley

10:25 AM

How to get travel insurance should you choose to ignore Foreign Office advice

Contrary to popular belief, you can visit a country to which the Foreign Office (FCO) advises against travel without invalidating your insurance – you just need to contact one of the few providers willing to offer cover. What’s more, it shouldn’t cost much more than an ordinary policy. 

Here's how to do it.

10:11 AM

US Gulf Coast prepares for second hurricane in a month

Tropical Storm Sally strengthened off the west coast of Florida today and was poised to become a hurricane, bringing the threat of dangerous storm surges and high winds to the US Gulf Coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

The Miami-based NHC said the storm was likely to reach hurricane strength on Monday, and approach the north-central Gulf Coast late on Monday and Tuesday.

Hurricane conditions were expected by early Tuesday from Grand Isle, Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, including New Orleans, the center said.

09:55 AM

South Korea to ease Covid-19 restrictions in Seoul region

South Korea will temporarily ease coronavirus curbs in the greater Seoul area after a decline in cases, reports AFP.

The country largely overcame an early Covid-19 surge with extensive tracing and testing, but has battled several spikes in recent weeks raising concerns of a second wave of infections.

The new cases - mainly in the greater Seoul region, home to half the country's 52 million population - prompted authorities to tighten social distancing measures last month.

But the measures on the metropolitan area will be eased starting Monday for two weeks, South Korean Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun told a government meeting, as new local cases declined.

09:37 AM

Guernsey holds Pride event, the British Isles' first since lockdown

Crowds in Guernsey flocked to attend Channel Islands Pride yesterday – the first Pride event to be held in the British Isles since lockdown, reports Tom Mulvihill.

The festivities in St Peter Port were able to go ahead after the Guernsey government lifted all Covid-19 restrictions back in June, with the island having reported just one new case since April (although strict border controls are still in place). Locals joined a march through the centre of town before gathering in park for musical performances, a silent disco and a drag queen story hour.

The majority of Pride festivals this year have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and fears over social distancing.

Channel Islands Pride organiser Ellie Jones told the BBC she believed Guernsey’s event was the first to go ahead "across Europe, and possibly the globe".

09:34 AM

First-class seats and cockpit tours: plane cafés take off in Thailand

Thailand "plane cafés" are offering people the chance to try the flying experience, from the ground. 

At the headquarters of Thai Airways in Bangkok cabin crew are serving "passengers" plane meals of spaghetti carbonara and Thai-style beef while the cockpit of a retired Airbus 330 outside Pattaya in Chonburi province has been transformed into a coffee shop.

plane cafe - Getty
cockpit aeroplane - AFP

09:21 AM

Is your UK holiday now illegal?

The UK has taken a step back into lockdown, with England outlawing gatherings of more than six people from Monday.

But what does that mean for your staycation? And who exactly will police your holiday, if it is now illegal?

My colleague Hazel Plush has the answers.

09:09 AM

Austria 'is experiencing a second wave', chancellor warns

Austria's chancellor has today warned that the country is at the beginning of a second wave, amid a surge in infections across Europe. 

From Friday to Saturday, the Alpine nation of nearly nine million people reported 869 new cases - more than half of those in the capital Vienna.

"What we are experiencing is the beginning of the second wave," Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a statement, appealing to the population to stick to anti-virus measures and reduce social contacts.

He warned that the mark of 1,000 cases per day would be reached soon. Austria was added to the UK's quarantine list in August.

09:05 AM

Which countries are next for quarantine?

As Denmark looks at risk, Italy, Greece (aside from quarantine-listed islands) and Turkey are safe for now. 

08:45 AM

Crowds flock to city streets ahead of rule of six restrictions

Warm weather and the last weekend before the tightening of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic saw crowds gathering on the streets of London on Saturday night. 

In scenes reminiscent of Super Saturday, when lockdown restrictions were eased in July, the streets were packed with people dancing, hugging and singing with few maintaining social distancing.

People were warned last week against having a "party weekend" before the "rule of six" coronavirus restrictions come into force on Monday.

Catch-up with the latest news on the coronavirus live blog.

08:35 AM

Treasury to end tax-free sales at airports

The Treasury will end tax-free sales at airports, ports and Eurostar stations from January 1 as the Brexit transition period comes to an end.

Tax-free sales of goods not subject to customs duty are currently allowed for travellers to non-EU countries.

Shops will still be able to offer VAT-free shopping to international visitors who buy items and have them delivered overseas, and this will be extended to EU visitors.

Duty-free sales,  which are currently only available when travelling to non-EU countries, will be extended to travellers to and from the EU and personal duty-free allowances on alcohol will “significantly increase”.

08:29 AM

Australian hotspot prepares to ease lockdown restrictions

Lockdown restrictions in Australia's state of Victoria will ease slightly on Monday, as the number of new daily coronavirus cases continues to fall in the country's hotspot.

The numbers confirm a steady downward trend from a peak of more than 700 cases in a single day in early August.

Victoria accounts for about 75 per cent of Australia's more than 26,600 cases and its capital, Melbourne, has been under strict lockdown for several weeks.

08:24 AM

Czech Republic reports record one-day rise

The Czech Republic yesterday reported its largest one-day rise so far of new coronavirus infections, recording 1,447 cases, according to Health Ministry data.

The country has seen one of the biggest spikes in cases among European countries in recent weeks.

It tightened restrictions on mask wearing this week although it aims to avoid bringing back measures that would hurt businesses.

The Czech republic is on the UK's quarantine list.

08:11 AM

Comment: This ludicrous quarantine roulette must be replaced with airport testing

At least 30 countries offer or accept Covid-19 tests at airports –  why can't we?, writes Zina Bencheikh, Managing Director of Intrepid EMEA: 

It’s been tough. After months of travel being off the table, the launch of the UK Government’s 'safe list’ seemed like a lifeline. But the sudden u-turn on Spain, quickly followed by France, left customers feeling confused and uncertain.

Every Thursday, the Government’s ludicrous quarantine roulette prompts chaos among travel companies and travellers as holidays are cancelled or hastily rearranged with fingers crossed. Many of those who had booked to travel abroad opted for our UK trips instead, and I could hardly blame them [...]

This one-size-fits-all approach is destroying the travel industry and customers’ confidence to book their much-needed holiday. Other countries in Europe are successfully using testing to cut quarantine times – why can’t we?

Read Zina's full comment.

08:07 AM

Europe deploys range of new measures to mitigate against coronavirus second wave

The resurgence of coronavirus in Europe has left governments with a major headache, report Verity Bowman and  Marcus Parekh.

The rules they began to relax in the summer appear to have led to a new surge in infections. So do they stick firmly and trust people follow social distancing rules? Or is it time to introduce new measures like the UK's 'rule of six'?

National lockdowns have largely been ruled out - for now. But policy changes limiting gatherings, mandatory mask wearing, as well as sharp curbs on restaurants and bars are gathering pace. 

Here's how different countries are coping with spikes. 

08:01 AM

What happened yesterday?

Here's a recap of Saturday's main headlines: 

  • First European 'travel bubble' bursts as cases rise in Estonia
  • Britons returning from Portugal brand quarantine rules a 'shambles'
  • Guernsey plans regional quarantine restrictions for England
  • Hundreds of data security risks on travel firms' websites, claims Which?
  • Late night discos and sauna socials pushing Covid rate to soar further in Spain

Now onto today's news.