Foreign
Mandating the use of empty seats to increase physical distancing not recommended – EU

Airlines will not have to leave seats empty, but passengers flying in the European Union will have to wear masks on planes and in airports under plans to revive the travel industry.
The European Commission made the non-binding recommendations on Wednesday as part of wider proposals to salvage the ailing tourism sector. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The commission noted that tourism sector previously represented some 10 per cent of the EU’s economic output and employed almost 12 per cent of its workforce.
It also said it would open legal cases against countries that breach EU law by not ensuring consumers can effectively get cash refunds for travel or holidays cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The starting point is that European consumers have a right to a cash refund, if that is what they want. Full stop,” Margrethe Vestager, a deputy head of the Commission, said.
It also said airlines will need to limit risks of infection, which could be achieved using hospital-grade air filtering, personal protective equipment and limiting movements.
On Tuesday, Ryanair (RYA.I) said that its passengers would be required to ask for permission to use the toilets to avoid queuing on the budget airline’s planes.
“Mandating the use of empty seats to increase physical distancing in aircraft is therefore not recommended,” the European Commission’s document said.
Airlines have raised concerns that measures to slow the spread of the pandemic could blight profitability long after any travel restrictions end.
The European Commission said that checking in, dropping off and picking up luggage should be reorganised to avoid crowds.
Airlines have already been advised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to check passenger temperatures, collect personal details for any contact tracing and to clean and disinfect terminals and equipment.
IATA, which has estimated the coronavirus crisis could cost airlines a total of 314 billion dollars, recommended facemasks be worn during flights but not blocking off the middle seats.
Some U.S. airlines have already implemented distancing measures, with some blocking middle seats, pausing automatic upgrades and changing the boarding process. (Reuters/NAN)
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Foreign
Niger Coup: EU Suspends Budget Support, Security Cooperation

The European Union (EU) says it has suspended its financial support and cooperation on security with Niger with immediate effect following the military coup in the country. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});
This was disclosed in a statement by the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
The coup leaders declared General Abdourahamane Tiani as head of state on Friday, ousting President Mohamed Bazoum.
The EU, the United States, and other countries have called for the unconditional release of Bazoum from detention and the restoration of democratic order in the country.
“In addition to the immediate cessation of budget support, all cooperation actions in the domain of security are suspended indefinitely with immediate effect,” Borrell said.
Niger is a major recipient of Western aid and a key partner of the European Union in helping contain irregular migration from sub-Saharan Africa.
The EU also has a small number of troops in Niger for a military training mission.
According to its website, the European bloc has allocated 503 million euros ($554 million) from its budget in the areas of governance, education and sustainable growth in Niger between 2021and 2024.
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Author Profile

- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Foreign
UK Suspends Flights With UAE, Burundi, Rwanda Over COVID-19 From Friday – Official

The United Kingdom Official said it has added three more countries to its “red list,” banning flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda over the spread of the Coronavirus from Friday. push({});
The UK Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, disclosed on Friday.
“From Friday, we’re extending our travel ban with the UAE, Burundi and Rwanda all added to the UK’s red list,” Shapps wrote on Twitter.
Under the new regulation, people who have been in or transited through the countries in question will be denied entry.
The ban does not apply to the UK, as well as Irish and third-country nationals with a residence permit, who must self-isolate for ten days at home.
To date, the island nation has confirmed more than 3.7 million cases of the coronavirus, including 103,126 fatalities.
NAN
Author Profile

- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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