Authorities within the UK have banned arrivals from various South American international locations as fears develop over a brand new pressure of Covid-19.
Passengers who’ve been in or transited by way of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Suriname, French Guiana, Uruguay and Venezuela up to now ten days shall be barred from entry.
Cape Verde and Portugal (together with Madeira and the Azores) will face related restrictions.
The brand new guidelines got here into place this morning.
Nevertheless, the adjustments don’t embody British and Irish nationals, or third nation nationals with residence rights within the UK.
These teams will have the ability to enter the UK, however are required to self-isolate for ten days on arrival together with their family.
There will even be a flight ban on any international locations with direct flights to the UK.
These are Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde and Portugal (together with Madeira and the Azores).
This excludes cargo and freight with out passengers.
The choice to ban journey from these locations follows the invention of a brand new coronavirus variant first recognized in Brazil, that will have unfold to international locations with robust journey hyperlinks to the nation.
Any exemptions often in place – together with for these associated to employment – is not going to apply, though hauliers who’ve been in or transited by way of Portugal (solely) within the final ten days shall be exempt to permit transport of important items.
From Monday passengers from all locations all over the world will even be required to current a damaging Covid-19 take a look at outcome earlier than travelling to England, to assist shield in opposition to new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally and to establish those that could at present be infectious.
Latin American Journey Affiliation
Danny Callaghan, chief government of the Latin American Journey Affiliation (LATA), stated the information was worrying for the native tourism sector.
“LATA is conscious of reviews of a brand new Covid-19 variant that has manifested in particular areas of Brazil ensuing within the UK resolution to implement a flight ban from Brazil and the entire of South America.
“At LATA, we recognize that this a quickly evolving state of affairs and perceive the choice to impose a brief ban while the scenario is being assessed.
“That stated, it’s critical that this journey ban is reviewed on an ongoing foundation topic to the epidemiological scenario and the related dangers and never simply forgotten about or kicked down the street endlessly.”
He added: “At LATA, we’re dedicated to lobbying for a test-and-release mannequin to allow journey to restart in a protected means.
“This mannequin was carried out for lorry drivers caught in Dover previous to the Christmas interval.
“If it really works for a lorry driver, it might work for vacationers!”
