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The U.K. To Suspend All Travel Corridors Indefinitely, Amid COVID Surge
Beginning Monday, Jan. 18 at 4 a.m., the U.K. will close all of their travel corridors indefinitely. British Prime Minster, Boris Johnson announced the suspension at a press conference last week.
“It is vital to take these extra measures now when, day-by-day, we are making such strides in protecting the population.”
The closures come amidst mounting fear of emerging strains of COVID-19.
The travel corridor system was started last summer to allow passengers to travel between the U.K. and certain countries with low COVID-19 rates, without having to observe the ten-day quarantine otherwise mandated upon return.
The travel corridor list was comprised of over 70 countries and territories, including Australia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Fiji, Greenland, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Rwanda, Aruba, Vietnam, Norway, and Iceland to name a few.
Starting Monday however, all passengers will be required to present a negative Coronavirus test taken within 72-hours, in order to board a plane entering the U.K.
“Upon arrival you must quarantine for ten days not leaving for any reason,” Johnson said, “or take a test on day five and wait for proof of negative result.” The prime minister explained that “You must have filled in a passenger locator form and the airline will ask for proof of both.”
According to the prime minister, the rules will be strictly enforced within the U.K. and at it’s borders. Those caught breaking the rules will face fines of up to £500.
