Bicycle Thefts On The Rise; Corona Vaccination Updates; Vacationers Return To Long Queues At Basel Airport

News For 5 January 2021

Apparently COVID restrictions have not curtailed the activities of Basel based bicycle thieves.  To the contrary, police are now advising that all bicycle owners keep them locked inside a garage, flat or home.  Over the last few months, the number of reported thefts have risen past 1000 according to the police and the statistics at the Basel prosecutor's office. The police further warned that in addition to the challenges of recovering stolen bikes, many simply have valuable parts removed when locked outside.  Of the few perpetrators that are caught, many are not motivated by money, rather, they "borrow" a bike for a quick joy-ride home after a long night out on the town.

**********

Vaccinations for the Coronavirus began in Muttenz yesterday.  Initial doses will be administered to those identified by the health authorities as belonging to a risk group like front-line health care workers, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.  In addition, 5000 doses have also been already reserved in Baselland using the Canton's registration page.  In Basel Stadt, the vaccination center at the Messeplatz Congress Center is also fully booked through January 11, at which time further information will be available via the Corona Impfzentrum Basel Stadt. 

**********

One would expect that queues at passport control would be a thing of the past based on the reduced travel habits of Corona-avoidant people.  However, it seems that the EAP, the organization responsible for operating the facilities of the Basel Euroairport, also reduced its staffing of passport control to the point where hours-long lines are now a reality.  This past Saturday, five airplanes arriving at approximately the same time unleashed their passengers to a single, waiting passport control booth.  In addition to the delays experienced by weary travelers, they were forced to queue in a narrow, poorly ventilated corridor which had many on edge concerned with Coronavirus transmission.  The EAP claims that they operate the airport facilities according to the latest guidelines of the French health authorities.