Europe is opening - time to get out
The UK gov consular team here assured me that I did not have to continue to the UK. I was free to go where ever I wanted. But who was accepting British? And who was accepting British coming in from Africa?
KLM was super helpful (other airlines take note!). They said they would book an onward flight for me to my chosen destination.
The lockdown here will continue until at least July 5. With cases still rising, I have no idea if Kenyatta will extend for another 30 days. Many people are hurting real bad now. Will he hear their cries? I have no idea.
If the lockdown is lifted on July 5, it's really ok. But if it gets extended, it doesn't bear thinking about.
So I decided I would bailout. A flight to Amsterdam and onwards to a 3rd country. But where?
Yes, Europe is opening up. If you are in Europe you have quite a few options but if you are not in Europe, options are limited. Very limited.
Spain was one of those who were going to be open, from June 19.
But then I checked, again:
"The State of Emergency (“Estado de Alarma”) declared on 14 March, will end on June 21. From this date, Spain will re-open its borders to European Union and Schengen-area countries (except for Portugal where the restrictions will continue to apply up until 1 July), and travellers from the UK. This means that British nationals will no longer need to present a residency certificate to enter Spain. The Spanish Government has said that UK travellers may still need to quarantine on arrival in Spain, but that decision has not yet been taken. Restrictions on travellers from outside the European Union and the Schengen free-travel area will be lifted from July 1 providing the countries they depart from have agreements with Spain." UK GOV FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE
Spain is not even sure if they will quarantine Brits anyway, in a typical childish tit for tat government policy. I have a friend en route. She has Spanish residency. I will find out on Sunday.
Where else is open?
Ukraine:
Published 16.06.2020
1. Flights to Ukraine restarted.
2. Passengers are subject to quarantine
I heard from people in the know that not everywhere was open. Shame cos I like Ukraine.
Turkey:
Published 12.06.2020
1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) entry regulations lifted on 12 June 2020.
2. Passengers and airline crew are subject to medical screening.
Some restrictions. Need a tracking app. And they have a massive number of daily cases. Which is ok as Turkey ain't my fav country
Serbia:
Published 22.05.2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) entry regulations lifted on 22 May 2020.
I am waiting for official confirmation.
The obvious long term solution is to go to a country where I am welcome, stay 14 days or however long needed so that I am no longer tagged as coming in from Africa. The UK is the obvious choice. The one country that can not deny me entry.
But the 14-day quarantine rule fucked me up. Going back to my dads is NOT an option. My sisters have not been forthcoming. Why? No idea. They don't even read my blog.
And what now? I just gotta sit tight a while longer. Please don't message me to say, go to Thailand. Thailand ain't open!