[RERUN] What is a virus variant region?

About this episode

What is a virus variant region? Another variant of the coronavirus has appeared: the omicron variant. An opportunity to talk about variant viruses again. The Indian variant known as B.1.617 is causing concern in Europe, particularly due to a steep rise in infections since early May. It recently spread into the United Kingdom, where it is currently taking over as the dominant variant. As a result, Germany reclassified the UK as a virus variant region on May 23rd. Travel between the UK and Germany is therefore strictly limited for the time being, meaning only German citizens or residents are allowed to enter the country. Even then, whether arriving by train, car or plane, they are also subject to a two week isolation period, which can’t be shortened even by testing negative. I thought the UK’s health situation was going much better! Is Germany the only country to have put in place restrictions against visitors from the UK?Could the Indian variant have an impact on summer holiday plans in Europe? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What are Yuccies? Who is Peng Shuai? What is climate change famine? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices