Ryanair has called on European governments to adopt the EU’s proposed coronavirus traffic light system to remedy the current “confusing patchwork of coronavirus restrictions on travellers across Europe”.
Under the system, outlined by the EU in early September, the European Centre for Disease Prevention would produce a map every week with countries graded as either green, orange or red depending on the absolute number of coronavirus infections and the percentage of Covid tests in those area that are positive.
The proposal recommends that no restrictions be set for travellers from green and orange zones, though visitors from the latter might be recommended to take a Covid-19 test. Restrictions, whether a quarantine or a test, would be appropriate for those coming from red zones, although the measures should be the same for all red zones, whether inside or outside the country. Countries would be free to determine what measures to take.
The system also allows countries to adopt a regional approach where possible to ensure regions or islands with low levels of Covid are not penalised.
Germany has made the proposal to the European Commission because national entry restrictions “have had serious consequences for the freedom of movement inside the Union, with knock-on effects on the internal market”.
Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said: “The implementation of this coordinated regional approach will help restore consumer confidence ahead of a difficult winter season, and also allow all airlines to plan for summer 2021, with millions of jobs dependent on the recovery of our aviation and tourism sectors."
The EU Council is due to meet on 13 October to discuss the proposal.