London City Airport, an international airport in England, has recently reopened and approved the arrival of a small turboprop airplane from the Isle of Man. This happened in line with the country’s gradual emergence from the COVID-19 lockdown imposed in the region for nearly 3 months. Britain is currently planning to emerge from this coronavirus lockdown from 4th July.

According to Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport, there has been a rising demand from passengers to reopen the flight services. However, the anticipated resumption of services will be limited to domestic travel due to the government restrictions on international flights. The flight services will also be functional across selected destination in the initial weeks.

Sources familiar with the matter have stated that despite reservations from the London First business lobby and other institutions, the Foreign Office has advised people to avoid traveling abroad. Many businesses in London, however, believe that this move, in addition to the mandatory 2-week quarantine for the passengers arriving in the United Kingdom, should be limited to travelers in high-risk countries.

The death toll of COVID-19 patients in Britain has risen to 42,632, which is the highest count in Europe. Globally, the country holds the 3rd place after the United States and Brazil in terms of the death cases. Restaurants and pubs in Britain are required to maintain 2-meter distances, which poses a struggle among the businesses to earn profits due to low foot traffic.

Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK, is expected to give the formal go-ahead for the restaurants and pubs to start reopening on July 4th. A few hair salons have also enabled the customers to start bookings.

Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, has stated that certain mitigation procedures can be followed that will allow people to stay closer than 2 meters as well as reduce the risk of virus transmission.

However, as per various surveys conducted, a large chunk of the UK population does not yearn for the immediate ease of the government restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Source credit:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-coronavirus-london-city-airport-reopens-12856986