(CNN) – In an effort to protect against new coronavirus variants, the UK will close all journeys on Monday from 04:00 local time.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the move in a news conference on Friday, stressing that the only way to get into the country is by having a negative coronavirus test result.
“This means that if you come to this country, you must provide proof of a negative Covid test that you took within 72 hours before your departure. And you must have completed your passenger tracking form, and your airline will ask for proof. of both before you take off, ”Johnson said.
“You can also be checked when your land is paid and substantial fines are imposed for refusing to comply, and on arrival you must be quarantined for ten days and not leave your home at all. Or take another test on day “Five and wait for proof of another negative result. And we will increase our enforcement, both at the border and in the country,” Johnson added.
The measures apply to all travelers, including British and Irish nationals.
Increased enforcement will support the new rules, including more sampling of passengers entering the country, the Department of Transportation said in a news release.
The move suspends travel routes that have existed between the UK and a variety of destinations since July 2020.
“The level of risk associated with the emergence of new variants worldwide has now increased, requiring stricter measures to block all possible possibilities through which new strains of the virus could enter the UK, while we consider how to best respond,” said the Department of Transportation. said.
The new measure will be reviewed on 15 February.