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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Merrifield

Which countries could follow Spain onto UK quarantine list as virus surges in France and Germany

Spain could be followed by France and Germany in being axed from the UK's safe travel list as coronavirus cases surge in both countries.

Downing Street has said it won't hesitate in ordering quarantine measures on those arriving from more holiday hotspots amid fears of a second wave before the end of the summer.

The Government announced over the weekend that people entering the UK from Spain will have to self-isolate for 14 days following a spike in cases in the country.

Many Brits have cancelled or cut short their holidays following the surprise news, with the likes of TUI cancelling all flights to the Balearic and Canary Islands.

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British Citizens arrive at the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport after the UK imposed new measures (Europa Press via Getty Images)

It's left many in limbo about upcoming trips while Spanish businesses that heavily rely on tourists from the UK are fearing the worst.

And while case rates across many European countries are low, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control data shows infection rates are quickly rising.

Spain has soared to 39.4 cases per 100,000 population in the last two weeks - meaning 260 percent more people compared with the previous fortnight.

A corona screening station in the medical centre of the airport in Duesseldorf, Germany (AFP via Getty Images)

Other European countries are not at that kind of level yet, but some are catching up.

France, which sees 10.3 million UK visitors per year, has seen its two-week infection rate jump to 14.6/100,000, a difference of 25 percent.

While Germany, which welcomes 3.3 million Brits annually, has seen a rise to 7.8/100,000 - an increase of 21 percent.

Italy has also seen a sharp change, with a 12 percent rise in two weeks as its infection rate climbs to 5/100,000.

Luxembourg, meanwhile, which lies between France, Germany and Belgium, has seen a whopping increase from 101/100,000 to 219/100,000 - close to the two week rate of hard hit USA and Brazil.

But it is currently exempt from Foreign Office advice to avoid all but essential travel there.

The Balkans are also experiencing a surge, in particular Montenegro, are Brits are advised against travelling there unless it is essential.

There is the risk that rocketing infection rates could move into the likes of Greece, a hotspot for holidaymakers but which has seen a drop in its two-week infection rate.

Sweden and mainland Portugal are also among the countries the FCO is advising against all but essential travel due to previously high rates.

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