Latest Updates 30th November 2021
New temporary and precautionary measures have been confirmed following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK. The measures will be reviewed again in three weeks.
New measures
The following measures will be introduced from 04:00 on Tuesday 30 November as a precaution to slow down the spread of the variant.
- All travellers arriving at the UK must take a PCR test provided by a private test provider on or before day 2 and self-isolate in their home or the place they are staying until they receive a negative result (lateral flow tests will no longer be accepted). This new measure applies adults and 5–17-year-olds.
- All close contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
- Face coverings will be compulsory in England in shops and other settings such as banks and post offices, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt.
- The Department for Education updated its guidance today, Monday 29 November, strongly advising that face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all educational settings by staff, visitors, and pupils/ students in year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.
- All educational and childcare settings should continue to encourage staff and students to test twice weekly using lateral flow device tests.
Updated travel guidance
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates to the UK’s red list
By the end of Sunday 28 November 10 countries had been added to the UK’s red list of countries and territories.
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe.
People cannot travel to the UK if they have been in these countries in the last 10 days unless they are a British or Irish national or have residence rights in the UK.
Passengers arriving in England from a red list country must book a managed quarantine package, which includes hotel quarantine and day 2 and day 8 PCR testing.