UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in London
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is today scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in London.
The two leaders are expected to discuss travel restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The Delta variant is estimated to be 40-60% more transmissible than the original strain and has now spread to at least 85 countries. Portugal, Spain and Germany have already issued new travel restrictions in response to a spike in infections and hospitalizations across Europe.
Given the rise of Delta variant cases in the UK, expect Merkel to urge Johnson to adopt travel restrictions similar to Germany’s. Germany’s restrictions require individuals entering the country from Portugal or Russia to quarantine for two-weeks. Further expect Merkel to raise concerns over British tourism in Portugal as well.
The spread of the Delta variant worldwide has raised concerns that new travel limits will stunt economic recovery. While Johnson is likely to echo Merkel’s concerns over the Delta variant’s spread, he may balk at immediately imposing restrictions. So long as the UK continues to host Euro 2020 matches, drawing profitable football tourism to the country, expect Johnson to think twice about implementing new travel limits.
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