Because of COVID, the eye is off the Brexit ball - as really, that virus prohibits us from travelling anyway. And although negotiations are continuing - a 'no-deal' Brexit is now highly likely.

This means that the EU will have to trade with the EU, from 1 January 2021, under basic World Trade Organisation rules - with substantial increases in the cost of goods inevitable.

Moving and travelling to an EU country (humans and goods) will become a nightmare, with much more paperwork and documentation required. And pension/benefit positions are particularly vague between EU members and ex-members.

As well as many other issues - such as UK bank accounts for expats; some have been told their accounts will be closed if they don't have a UK address. How will the many British residents of Benidorm and Fuengirola get their weekly allowances?


However, even greater uncertainty exists in respect of:-


Availability of medicines (made in EU countries)

Fishing rights

Tariffs and taxes

Law enforcement

Data sharing

Security

Borders and customs

Immigration/emigration

European Court of Justice (its role, if any)


But to just look at European trips:-

- at least 6 months must be left on your passport
- EHIC will no longer be valid
- extra driving documentation (for insurance etc.) will be required - perhaps green cards
- pets will be difficult
- free mobile phone roaming will end



If COVID doesn't kill us - bureaucracy will!

So no real difference when I travel outside the EU then.

I need make sure travel docs are up to date, spare empty pages on passport, travel insurance. I need to contact my phone provider for the best tariff if not I just buy a basic phone over there with a top up.

If I really want something I will send it my address by post or put in hand luggage.

Commander wrote:
Because of COVID, the eye is off the Brexit ball - as really, that virus prohibits us from travelling anyway.

If COVID doesn't kill us - bureaucracy will!

I wouldn't worry about Covid killing you Commander; a hot bath is as likely to. But I do agree that an unfortunate by product of the panic has been that the far more important and destructive threat of Brexit has been obscured. The economy is so wrecked now that we will hear from Brexiteers that Covid is the reason for all the problems Brexit will cause for years...

PS The virus does not prevent you travelling anywhere; the reaction to it does. Don't become the BBC!

www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/



My post was really about Brexit - and its imponderables and uncertainties.


Do hot baths also kill almost 1.5 million people, in less than nine months?

And does Covid? Or are people knocked down by a bus included in the official figures if they tested positive up to 28 days before?

While of course I was being somewhat facetious, JK makes the point that we have no idea how many have died from C19.

In Japan though about 2000 have been said to have died "with" C19, while they suffer over 4000 deaths from hot baths annually.

To be fair to you this is probably "with hot baths" and it mainly affects the elderly; so we must take into account underlying health conditions.

I though will only ever take a shower now till a vaccine is found, and wear a face mask every quarter when I shower just to be on the safe side...

www.researchgate.net/publication/3278126...lder_adults_in_Japan

Commander wrote:
www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/



My post was really about Brexit - and its imponderables and uncertainties.


Do hot baths also kill almost 1.5 million people, in less than nine months?

Barney, please find a hobby.

Take up harmonica lessons or practise line dancing in the back garden.

Green Man wrote:
Commander wrote:
www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/



My post was really about Brexit - and its imponderables and uncertainties.


Do hot baths also kill almost 1.5 million people, in less than nine months?

Barney, please find a hobby.

Take up harmonica lessons or practise line dancing in the back garden.

Have you any idea how many people die from line dancing every year in Canada GM!?

Wyot wrote:
Green Man wrote:
Commander wrote:
www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/



My post was really about Brexit - and its imponderables and uncertainties.


Do hot baths also kill almost 1.5 million people, in less than nine months?

Barney, please find a hobby.

Take up harmonica lessons or practise line dancing in the back garden.

Have you any idea how many people die from line dancing every year in Canada GM!?

Probably a lot less than broken ankles and worn boot heels.