Travellers from neighbouring country Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been banned from entering the United Kingdom (UK) over fears of the new coronavirus variant reported in South Africa.
But the ban, which took effect at 4am on Friday, January 22, 2021, will not apply to British and Irish nationals and those with residency rights returning to the country, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet on Thursday night.
“We are continuing to monitor COVID-19 rates and new strains of the virus across the globe, this alongside the suspension of travel corridors and pre-departure testing will help protect our borders,” Shapps, who doubles up as Welwyn Hatfield Member of Parliament, added.
All passengers from these countries except British & Irish Nationals and third country nationals with residents rights will be denied entry.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps (@grantshapps) January 21, 2021
We are continuing to monitor COVID-19 rates and new strains of the virus across the globe, this alongside the suspension of travel corridors and pre departure testing will help protect our borders.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps (@grantshapps) January 21, 2021
Passengers from South Africa and its neighbouring countries including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola are banned from visiting the country.
Read: UK Scientists Already Conducting Trials For COVID-19 Vaccines In Kenya
The restrictions also apply to the island nations of Mauritius and Seychelles.
Restrictions will continue for the island nations of Mauritius and the Seychelles.
From 4am 22 January, restrictions will also apply to Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo.
International travel is restricted.
Stay at home.https://t.co/1Zz9jms2jG
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) January 21, 2021
The new directive comes after the UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned vaccines currently being rolled out may be less effective against the South African variant.
Read Also: Tanzania Retaliates, Cancels Kenya Airways Flights
Reports indicate that the new variant — known as 501Y.V2 and thought to be about 50 per cent more infectious — is believed to be more transmissible than the UK one.
Whereas most countries in the East African region have continued to make details on Covid-19 situation public, Tanzania’s last update on the respiratory disease was in late April last year. Then, there were at least 509 infections and 21 fatalities.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com or WhatsApp +254707482874. You can also find us on Telegram through www.t.me/kahawatungu
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
