Even the supply of coronavirus vaccine to Britain could be disrupted as France has banned any communication with the UK because of the same coronavirus
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As News Front previously reported, a strict quarantine was imposed in parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in London, following the discovery of a new strain of the coronavirus. Many countries have stopped communicating with Britain due to this.
The French government’s decision will last at least 48 hours, but will have a devastating impact on the supply of food and other consumer goods to the UK, The Guardian reported, citing industry representatives.
Eurotunnel has already announced that access to its Folkestone terminal is closed, even to customers with reservations. The Port Authority of Dover has issued a similar message.
“The ferry terminal at the Port of Dover is closed to all escorted vehicles leaving the UK until further notice due to border restrictions in France”, – the communiqué said.
The situation is exacerbated by the imminent end of the Brexit transition period and London and Brussels still have not reached a trade deal. The gloomy outlook has forced companies to actively stockpile goods from the EU, and for days there have been huge queues of up to 17 kilometres on both sides of the canal.
“It’s only 48 hours, but the French ban will have a devastating impact on the supply chain”, – said Rod McKenzie, political director of the Road Haulage Association. – “Border closures will mean that everything, including stocks of perishable products, will suffer.”
Supplies of coronavirus vaccine to Britain could be of particular concern, as Pfizer’s drug is known for its strict storage conditions. However, The Guardian’s sources have assured that supplies of essential medicines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, will continue. In particular, there are contingency plans to use eight other ports in case the drug situation in Britain becomes critical.