The UK government is closing all travel corridors from Monday morning to avoid the risk of new COVID-19 strains. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has confirmed that rule will stay active until at least 15 February 2021. The decision of closing all travel corridors came after banning travellers from Portugal and South America.
Moreover, any passenger flying into the country from foreign will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. After the arrival, passengers will have to quarantine for up to 10 days unless they prove negative in COVID-19 test after 5 days.
UK government opened all travel corridors in summers for some countries with a low number of coronavirus cases. Due to multiple new strains of the virus worldwide, the country has decided to close them again.
Chief Executive of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade added that the travel corridors’ opening was a lifeline for both industry and country’s economy. However, time is changing again, and it’s a serious health emergency.
More patients than the first wave of COVID-19
The UK has recorded more number of coronavirus patients in the second wave of the virus. Thus, Prime Minister warned NHS to stay ready for facing the extra pressure. Moreover, on Tuesday, the UK recorded more than 4,000 patients in hospitals. Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty also confirmed that the peak of cases entering hospitals would be in upcoming 7 to 10 days.
As for the vaccination, the Prime Minister confirmed that most vulnerable groups would get vaccinated by mid-February. But, they will need to think about further steps to lift the restrictions in the country.
The whole nation is under lockdown already, and we need to stay home and go out only for limited reasons. Despite the vaccine roll-out, the UK residents have to take all protective measures like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.