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SAFETY IN NUMBERS

The safest European destinations for a holiday right now – as Italy and Cyprus new cases remain low

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BOOKING a holiday this year has been difficult for Brits when trying to choose a safe destination, following last-minute travel restrictions enforced by the UK government.

Last weekend, Croatia and Austria were added to the quarantine list, following France on August 15 and Spain on July 26.

New countries have been added to the UK's quarantine list in recent weeks, including France, Croatia and Spain
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New countries have been added to the UK's quarantine list in recent weeks, including France, Croatia and SpainCredit: PA:Press Association

Using data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), any country which has more than 20 new cases per 100,000 population during a seven day period is at risk of being put onto the UK quarantine list.

According to travel expert Paul Charles, CEO of PC Agency, Spain and the US are currently the worst British hotspots, at 91.1 and 80.3, respectively.

France (36.4), Malta (44) and Croatia (39.3) remain high, while Switzerland (20.7) may be the next to be on the travel quarantine list.

We've rounded up some of the safer destinations in Europe where new infections remain low - although booking holidays more than a few weeks in advance is advised against, as travel restrictions are likely to change with little warning.

Italy

Once the epicentre of Europe, Italy has reduced its daily cases to be one of the lowest, with 259,345 overall infections.

While cases have started to go up in recent days, its new cases over seven days remain at 9 - while this has increased from 7.8 yesterday, it still remains one of the lowest in Europe.

The country currently has no travel restrictions for Brits who can enter the country and travel freely, although face masks must be worn when in certain public spaces.

  • Three nights in Rome with easyJet Holidays in September -
  • Three nights in Venice with easyJet Holidays in September -
  • Seven nights half board at Grand Hotel Hermitage with return flights with TUI on September 14 -
  • Seven nights in Sardinia with easyJet Holidays on September 8 -
  • Seven nights at Lido di Jesolo with return flights with Jet2 on August 31 -

Cyprus

Cyprus has managed to keep coronavirus cases low during the pandemic, with just 1,421 cases.

Their daily infection rate is currently at 10.2, under the UK's 20, although up from 9.7 yesterday.

The country has travel restrictions in place for Brits wanting to enter the country - a negative coronavirus test must be taken 72 hours before travel to be allowed to enter.

  • Three nights in Cyprus with return flights with TUI in September -
  • Seven nights in Cyprus with return flights easyJet holidays on September 8 -
  • Seven nights in Paphos or Larnaca on with return flights with Jet2 on September 9-
  • Seven nights all-inclusive in Paphos or Larnaca with return flights with Jet2 on September 9 -
Italy has some of the lowest new cases per 100,000 population in Europe
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Italy has some of the lowest new cases per 100,000 population in EuropeCredit: AFP or licensors
Cyprus has kept its total cases under 2,000 since the start of the pandemic
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Cyprus has kept its total cases under 2,000 since the start of the pandemicCredit: EPA

Germany

Germany's new cases per 100,000 are currently at 10.7, with 234,637 total cases.

The Foreign Office warn anyone returning to the UK from Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport will have to quarantine, due to transiting through France.

However, there are no entry requirements for Brits entering Germany.

Turkey

Turkey - which straddles both Europe and Asia - has fallen in recent weeks in regard to its daily infections.

According to its seven-day period data, the country is now just 9.5, reducing the risk of a travel quarantine even further having gone down from yesterday.

Turkey's overall cases are currently at 258,249, with new daily infections around 1,000.

Arrivals to Turkey face health screenings and coronavirus checks, but there are no other entry requirements.

  • Last-minute holidays in September with TUI -
  • All-inclusive holidays with Jet2 in September -
  • 60% off holidays in August and September with TUI -

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned any Brits going on holiday could face quarantine restrictions.

He said: "As with all air bridge countries, please be aware that things can change quickly.

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“Only travel if you are content to unexpectedly 14-day quarantine if required (I speak from experience!)"

He added: “This is a very unpredictable virus which doesn’t play ball in the way it can take off in a country. Anyone traveling this year will know there are risks involved.”

Dr Hilary Jones discusses the importance of quarantine when returning from coronavirus holiday hotspots
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