China suspends flights from UK over new coronavirus strain

BEIJING: China will suspend direct flights to and from the United Kingdom indefinitely over fears of a new coronavirus strain, Wang Wenbin, a foreign ministry spokesman of Beijing said on Thursday.

"After much consideration, China has decided to take reference from other countries and suspend flights to and from UK," Wang told reporters at a daily briefing.

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"China will closely monitor relevant developments and dynamically adjust control measures depending on the situation," Wang said.

China has largely curbed the spread of Covid-19 (which originated in the markets of Wuhan) within its borders, but authorities remain highly vigilant about the threat of "imported" virus cases.

Ireland, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium halted UK flights earlier this week over fears of the new coronavirus strain.

Turkey and Canada have also banned incoming flights from Britain indefinitely.

India has also taken steps against this new virus strain, with several states once again resorting to curfews, which has put a dampener on the festive mood in the country. In the Northeast, the State of Meghalaya has put a ban on travellers from the UK.

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