UK: Authorities announce list of countries exempt from mandatory quarantine in England from July 10 /update 30

Event

UK authorities announced a list of over 50 countries and territories on Friday, July 3, from which travelers will be able to travel to England from Friday, July 10, without facing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon arrival. The countries and territories listed by the British government have all been classified as 'low risk' in regards to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A full list of the countries can be found here. Britons will be allowed to travel to the selected countries from Saturday, July 4. However, quarantine measures may still be in place for travelers entering from the UK. Additional restrictions are in place for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland which may include mandatory quarantine measures or bans for international travelers.

Some restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 were reintroduced in Leicester (Leicestershire) on Tuesday, June 30, due to an increase in locally detected cases. Non-essential shops and schools have closed, and the easing of restrictions on pubs and restaurants in other parts of England on Saturday, July 4, has been postponed in the city. Authorities have stated that the measures will be in place for the entirety of the city, in addition to the suburb areas of Birstall, Glenfield, and Oadby.

From July 4, a number of COVID-19 restrictions will be eased in the rest of England, with restaurants, pubs, cinemas, and hotels being permitted to reopen. However, the government has reserved the right to keep premises with a higher risk of transmission closed. Places of worship and outdoor gyms will also reopen. Gatherings of more than 30 people will remain prohibited. Face masks remain compulsory on public transportations services.

As of Friday, July 3, health authorities have confirmed 285,268 COVID-19 cases with 44,216 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.