New Covid measures coming into force

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UK arrivals must get a PCR test

From Tuesday 30th November, everyone must take a PCR test after entering the UK, the government announced yesterday. If you are arriving from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have 2 days to test for Covid. Please note, a lateral flow checks will no longer be accepted.

You must take a COVID-19 test before you travel to England only if you do not qualify as fully vaccinated or have you visited a Red country in the last 10 days. If you arrive without proof you tested negative, you could be fined £500.

Wearing masks compulsory again

Wearing face masks will be required from today in shops and public transport unless exempt. Hospitality settings, such as hotels, restaurants and bars are excluded from the rules, except takeaways that do not offer consumption of food or drinks on the premises.

People who are not wearing a face-covering can be fined with £200, rising to £400 for a second offence or £800 for a third. The penalty can reach £6,400 in case of a sixth and subsequently fixed penalty notices.

Why is this happening?

These measures have been introduced to protect the UK from the latest COVID strain named Omicron. This is expected to be temporary, while more information is gathered and assessed on the variant’s transmissibility and any possible effect on Covid-19 vaccines.

The face mask mandate will expire at the end of 20 December 2021.

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What will travellers have to do?

Every traveller entering the UK now needs to take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival. You must book your  Day 2 PCR test in advance and provide a reference number when filling out your Locator Form. You must self-isolate until you receive a negative test result. Please note that you cannot use the free NHS PCR tests; you must book a test from a private provider, approved by the government.

If you are arriving from any of the following countries, then you will need to quarantine for a full 10 days, regardless of the test result:

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