Coronavirus: Rising infections force EasyJet to cancel UK flights

Coronavirus: Rising infections force EasyJet to cancel UK flights

LONDON (Reuters) – British airlines, including EasyJet, have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights in recent days due to a surge in infections with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 among their employees.

England earlier this year lifted all of its coronavirus-related restrictions, including mandatory quarantine if you test positive and mandatory wearing of masks in public places.

Pollution has been increasing across the UK since the beginning of March. By the end of the week of March 26, official data showed that one in 13 people had the virus, a record high.

Although hospitalization levels are well below outbreak peaks in 2020 and 2021, some businesses are reporting disruptions, especially at airports.

EasyJet canceled more than 200 flights over the past weekend and said about 60 flights would be canceled on Monday. British Airways also canceled flights on Sunday, saying the problem usually affects airlines and airports.

EasyJet said it had appointed reserve crew and said it was adding flights whenever possible.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers on this affected flights,” the company said in a statement. “Customers have been contacted and informed of the options available to them, including the option to rebook an alternate flight, obtain a voucher or receive a full refund.”

Many companies are advising their employees to self-isolate if they test positive, although it is no longer mandatory. The free trial ended in early April in England.

(Reportage Kate Holton; French edition Valentine Baldassari, edited by Mathieu Protard)

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