UK: Coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions to be eased for certain business travelers effective 0400 December 5 /update 9

UK to ease coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions for certain business travelers effective 0400 Dec. 5.

Event

Authorities in UK plan to ease coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related entry restrictions for certain international business travelers. Effective at 0400 Dec. 5, travelers engaged in specific business activities that deliver a significant benefit to the UK economy, including those that create or preserve 50 or more jobs in UK, will no longer need to self-isolate upon entering the country. In addition, as of the same date, TV production staff, journalists, and recently signed elite athletes will also be exempt from self-isolation. These travelers will, however, still need to present a complete passenger locator form upon arrival.

Effective Dec. 15, authorities in the UK will allow travelers arriving from countries with elevated COVID-19 activity to reduce the required self-isolation period from 14 to five days. Travelers will be allowed to take a COVID-19 test, at their own expense, after five days of self-isolation; however, test results may take up to 48 hours to be returned.

Other international entry restrictions are currently in force. Although more than 30 countries and overseas territories - including Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, and South Korea - are exempt from the self-isolation requirement, international passengers of any nationality arriving from nonexempt locations must self-isolate for at least 14 days upon entry into the UK, except as otherwise indicated. Health officials could perform spot checks to ensure compliance. Persons without suitable accommodations are required to stay in facilities arranged by the government at their own expense. Freight drivers and healthcare workers are typically exempt from the requirement. All international travelers entering the UK must fill out a passenger locator form providing contact details and their travel history over the previous 14 days.

Officials review the measures every week or on a need-driven basis in response to significant changes in disease activity abroad. The government claims that improved COVID-19 data now allows a more targeted approach to imposing quarantine requirements on international arrivals, partly removing the necessity for national-level restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Arrive at the airport early to prevent your seat from being reallocated to a standby passenger. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.