Categories: AFRICAFeatured

African Countries to Be Taken Off UK Red List ‘As Soon As This Week’

Red list restrictions by the UK on 11 African countries are set to be lifted as soon as this week, according to a reports in the British media.

The countries were put on the UK’s red list as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 emerged earlier this month – forcing thousands of travellers into hotel quarantine for 10 days.

Less than three weeks after they were put on the red list, various media reported that transport secretary Grant Shapps is said to have convinced colleagues quarantine should be replaced with testing for the fully vaccinated.

And instead of quarantine in a government-mandated hotel, travellers from former red list countries will need to isolate at home.

The report says the move is expected to be approved as soon as this week.

All countries were removed from the red list earlier this year as travel restrictions eased.

However, the emergence of Omicron in southern Africa prompted the government to put six countries in the region on the list, with effect from November 26.

Other African countries have since been added to the red list, including Nigeria, bringing the total to 11.

Last week, health secretary Sajid Javid has insisted tightened travel restrictions could be eased “in the days and weeks ahead” if the Omicron variant becomes dominant.

He said there would be less need for any travel restrictions if the new variant took hold.

On Sunday evening (December 13), prime minister Boris Johnson announced a ramping-up of the booster jab programme, warning that a “tidal wave” of Omicron is coming.

Also last week, Heathrow airport called on the government to allow UK nationals from red list countries to isolate at home so that they can be reunited with loved ones for Christmas.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, said: “By allowing Brits to isolate at home, ministers can make sure they are reunited with their loved ones this Christmas.”

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Kemi Badenoch Wins Conservative Leadership, Vows Party Renewal, A Return to Traditional Values

Kemi Badenoch has pledged to "renew" the Conservative Party and reclaim voters as she was…

3 hours ago

Peter Obi Criticises Court Ruling Halting Rivers State Funds, Calls for Reversal

Peter Obi has criticised the court ruling withholding funds to Rivers State, calling it disturbing…

9 hours ago

AGF Fagbemi Takes Over Prosecution of #EndBadGovernance Protesters Amidst Allegations of Treason

AGF Fagbemi has taken over the prosecution of 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, addressing alleged treason and…

9 hours ago

NNPC, ONHYM Advance African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project Amid Regional Collaboration

NNPC and Morocco's ONHYM has advanced the $26 billion African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, emphasising regional…

9 hours ago

TCN Restores Power Supply Through Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri Line

TCN has restored power on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri line, fully operational again after vandalism halted service.

9 hours ago

Nineteen Injured In Central Israel Following Projectile Launch From Lebanon

Nineteen people were injured in central Israel after three projectiles were launched from Lebanon early…

9 hours ago