Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will update MPs later this week on plans to remove the need to self-isolate for arrivals who have had two vaccine doses when they return to the UK from amber list countries. Under current rules, those who have visited an amber country must quarantine for 10 days on their return - regardless of their vaccination status. While travel to amber listed countries is not illegal, the quarantine measures has deterred many UK travellers from visiting. With the rule removed, holidaymakers hoping for a foreign getaway this summer will have more freedom to visit some of the most sought-after European destinations, including Spain, France and Greece. But what is the Covid situation like in Europe at the moment? Here’s a look at 10 of the most popular holiday hotspots and their current Covid-19 infection rates, based on the latest available data from the WHO and Cercle Mallorca. Countries are listed from highest to lowest levels of Covid cases in the last seven days.
1. Turkey
Covid cases reported in the last 7 days: 35,759. Cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population: 42.4. Status: Red list. Photo: BULENT KILIC
2. Spain
Covid cases reported in the last 7 days: 26,704. Cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population: 56.4. Status: Amber list. Photo: JAIME REINA
3. Portugal
Covid cases reported in the last 7 days: 14,541. Cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population: 141.2. Status: Amber list. Photo: CARLOS COSTA
4. France
Covid cases reported in the last 7 days: 14,346. Cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 population: 22.06. Status: Amber list. Photo: SAMEER AL-DOUMY