COVID-19: UK announces new measures for travelers

New steps to monitor COVID-19 second wave spread were announced by the United Kingdom. 

The Department of Transport has announced in a statement to the UK Parliament that on 15 January from 4 am, criteria will be identified for the pre-departure testing of all inbound passengers in England. 

Up to three months prior to departure, passengers arriving by ship, aircraft or train will have to take an examination and show negative results. 

Authorities will inform them and the carriers that information on what to watch for is available to guarantee that testing and the reports given follow the appropriate requirements.

The UK recommended that those within the country stay at home and not travel abroad unless it is for a permitted exempt reason.

British nationals positive for COVID-19 were advised not to travel.

Carriers may deny boarding if passengers are not in receipt of a qualifying negative test, the statement read.

“Fines starting at £500, can be levied on non-compliant passengers. Operators will also be fined for transporting non-compliant passengers”, it warned.

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Children less than 11 years of age will not be required to do pre-departure tests either. 

Furthermore, the new regulations will not affect passengers traveling from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey to England.