Here’s a random look at some of what’s happening in our Covid world. American carriers are demanding travellers don masks – or else – new outbreaks in the UK are severe enough to reinstate some lockdowns, US relief cheques are giving relief to some Austrians, Australia extends its cruise ban and more.
Masks
More than 700 travellers have been banned from US airlines for refusing to wear face masks. The LA Times compiled a list of the number of customers penalized by Delta Air Lines, United, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
It adds up to a combined total of 738 passengers on their no-fly lists.
Delta has banned more than one-third with 270 unable to fly with the airline again until masks are no longer mandatory.
United banned 150 and Spirit Airlines banned 128 passengers, followed by Frontier Airlines with 106 banned passengers.
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines did not disclose numbers of those banned.
Hawaiian Airlines has only banned six passengers but they will stay on the no-fly list for one year.
Britain
The British government is facing pressure to keep a lid on coronavirus infections after a sharp spike in new cases across the UK. Figures released Monday showed nearly 3,000 new coronavirus cases for the second day running. There is mounting speculation the British government is considering tightening some restrictions, such as reducing gatherings indoors in England from the current limit of 30.
The UK has Europe’s worst death toll from the virus, recording more than 41,500 deaths. The actual toll is believed to be far higher as the government tally doesn’t include those who died without having been tested. It is also clear there’s been an uptick in the past few weeks – daily infections are about double the level they were the previous week. In some places, local outbreaks have been so severe that many lockdown restrictions have been reinstated.
Austria
Austria’s leader says he wants to keep both ski resorts and schools open this winter as the country tries to keep coronavirus infections down while supporting the tourism industry.
Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said during a visit to Slovenia on Tuesday that the government will do everything to ensure that safe skiing is possible. The Austrian ski resort of Ischgl became an early European hot spot as the pandemic took off in March.
Kurz said, “we must try to lead as normal a life as possible in all areas of our life” and added that “winter tourism and skiing will be possible.” Asked whether skiing areas might have to be closed so that schools can remain open longer, he said: “I would not like to play schools the economy off against each other.”
Kurz said that post-skiing partying won’t be possible in the way it was previously, but didn’t give details.
Generous genius giveaway?
A retiree in Austria says he received a US government coronavirus relief check for $1,200, despite not having lived in America for over half a century. The check, with Donald Trump’s name on it, is part of a massive federal stimulus program. But the money also has been sent to people who aren’t eligible – including deceased US taxpayers.
Austrian public broadcaster ORF reports the 73-year-old man from Linz, who worked as a waiter in the United States for two years in the 1960s, was able to cash the check. His wife, who never worked or lived in the United States, got one too.
ORF reports banks in Austria confirm they’ve cashed dozens of checks for residents of the Alpine country. It’s unclear how many were entitled to the money.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is further relaxing social distancing measures, as the territory’s number of new coronavirus cases dwindles. Hong Kong reported another six cases of the virus on Tuesday. From Friday, the limit on public gatherings will be relaxed to four people, up from two people. Most indoor and outdoor sports facilities, as well as museums will be allowed to re-open.
The city has seen its coronavirus cases dwindle after a surge in locally-transmitted infections in July. Hong Kong has reported a total of 4,896 infections since the pandemic began, with 99 deaths.
Hong Kong officials said Tuesday that the city is in talks with 11 countries about setting up travel bubbles, which would allow residents to travel internationally even amid the pandemic. Such travel bubbles would include a pre-flight coronavirus test that will be mutually recognized by both Hong Kong and the partnering country.
Cruise
Australia once again extended the ship cruise ban. Last week Health Minister Greg Hunt announced an extension of the ban on large cruise ships to Australian until December 17th – and a halt to overseas travel until the same date.
The Australian Government has prohibited any international cruise ship with 100 or more passengers d to dock at the nation’s ports. Australians are also banned from leaving the country by air or sea unless they’re a resident of another country.
Those measures will now stay in place until December 17 – meaning Australia has effectively been without travel for nine months.
The extension was expected and a ban on cruise ships will stay in place until almost the year-end.
“We look forward to the formation of a working group with government to progress a pathway to a carefully managed and responsible resumption of cruise tourism,” said CLIA’s Australasia Managing Director, Joel Katz.
“CLIA sees opportunity for a controlled and phased resumption of local cruise operations in Australia, with strict and enhanced health protocols in place.”