After a new mutation of the coronavirus was discovered in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands imposed a ban on passenger flights. This applies until January 1st, 2020 and is intended to prevent the mutation from being "imported" from the island state to the mainland.

Air traffic, with the exception of cargo flights, is temporarily suspended on the recommendation of the Institute for Health and Environment. The government made this decision at short notice. According to an official announcement, the variant of the virus now described in the UK was also found in the Netherlands at the beginning of this month. The case will be investigated further.

The UK authorities have discovered a new mutation in the coronavirus that is initially believed to be even more contagious. It is not yet clear whether this is more dangerous or whether the vaccines may be ineffective. Corresponding investigations are currently ongoing.