Controversial decision
Germany declares Portugal as area of variant of concern

by Holger Jacobs
Tuesday, June 29, 2021

FVW MEDIEN/HMJ
One of the favourite spots of German tourists at Portugal’s southern coast: the Seven Hanging Valleys at the Algarve.
Bad news for Portugal: The popular destination of many German holidaymakers is now considered an area of variant of concern. In order to avoid a mandatory quarantine for its clients tour operator Olimar organized early return flights.

Germany announced restricted entry from Portugal and Russia on Friday after the Robert Koch Institute classified the two countries as „areas of variant of concern“. The UK was so far the only European country on the list, along with 13 other states. Returning from these areas, German citizens and residents will be only allowed to reenter Germany if they start a mandatory 14-day quarantine. This applies even to those who are fully vaccinated.

The measure entered into force on Tuesday making many German tourists heading home early. Olimar Reisen, the leading German tour operator for trips to Portugal, organized early return flights. Visit Portugal, the national tourism organization of the Southern European country, protested against the decision of the German government as the super-contagious Delta variant of the Corona virus mainly affects the capital region of Lisbon.
Many European regions taken off the risk area list

Besides the delaration of Portugal and the Russian Federation as areas of variants of concern, three regions are now considered basic risk areas – the county Zadar in Croatia, Fiji and Rwanda. No longer considered as risk areas are the county Varaždin in Croatia, Denmark, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands (except for the overseas parts Aruba and Sint Maarten), Slovenia and Sweden (with the exception of the regions Kronoberg, Norrbotten and Vaermland).
— Weiterlesen www.fvw.de/international/travel-news/controversial-decision-germany-declares-portugal-as-area-of-variant-of-concern-219453