UK announces mandatory quarantine for people arriving from nations on travel ban list
Beginning Feb. 15, anyone coming to the United Kingdom from a country on its travel ban list of COVID-19 hotspots must quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 nights, the U.K. government announced Thursday.
Most foreign nationals from high-risk nations already face U.K. travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. But this new rule will apply to U.K. citizens and residents arriving from one of the 33 "red list" countries: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores), Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Security will escort guests to their quarantine rooms when they arrive and must accompany them if they wish to access outside space for fresh air or a smoke. Three meals per day and laundry service will also be provided during their stay.
Those in quarantine will be required to take a COVID-19 test on both Day 2 and Day 8.
ABC News’ Zoe Magee contributed to this report.