On Saturday 27th November 2021, the Prime Minister confirmed new temporary and precautionary measures to come into force from 4:00am on Tuesday 30th November following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK.
The Key measures are as follows:
- All international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
- Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport in England from next week. All hospitality settings such as pubs, cafes and restaurants will be exempt.
Also, students in year 7 and above, plus all staff and visitors should also wear a face covering in all communal areas in educational settings and on public or school transport.
You can read the full details of the press release at:
In addition, 6 countries in Southern Africa have been placed on a new “Red List”:
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
If you arrive in England between midday 26 November and 4am 28 November 2021
If you have been in any of these countries and arrive in England between midday on Friday 26 November and 4am Sunday 28 November, you must quarantine at home or at alternative appropriate accommodation.
On arrival in the UK you must go immediately to a place where you can quarantine for 10 days, or the duration of your stay in the UK, whichever is shorter.
Quarantine applies to you and your household, or whoever you are staying with.
NHS Test and Trace services will contact you to issue your free COVID-19 PCR tests to be taken on day 2 and day 8.
If you arrive in England after 4am 28 November 2021
If you have been in any of these countries and arrive in England after 4am Sunday 28 November, you must quarantine in a managed hotel, following the guidance set out on this page. You must book a quarantine hotel package, including 2 COVID-19 tests before you arrive in England.
You can read the full guidance on travel to the UK from “Red List” countries at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-list-of-countries-and-territories