All quarantine-free journey into the UK will likely be suspended from Monday in a bid to maintain out new coronavirus strains, Boris Johnson has introduced.
The Prime Minister mentioned that anybody flying into the nation from abroad must present proof of a adverse Covid take a look at earlier than setting off.
It comes after the Authorities banned flights from South America, Portugal and Cape Verde as a result of emergence of a brand new variant in Brazil.
Mr Johnson advised a Downing Avenue briefing that with the “hope” given by vaccines and the “danger” of latest variants, “we should take further steps now to cease these strains from getting into the nation”.
Folks arriving within the UK from a vacation spot with a journey hall are at present exempt from the 10-day quarantine requirement.
However the brand new coverage means arrivals from each vacation spot might want to self-isolate for 10 days, or obtain a adverse end result from a coronavirus take a look at taken a minimum of 5 days after they enter the UK.
Various exemptions to the journey hall coverage – similar to enterprise journey – will likely be additionally suspended. The foundations – which will likely be an extra blow to the journey sector – come into impact from 0400 on Monday.
Labour accused the Authorities of “closing the door after the horse has bolted”, saying the announcement was too late to have stopped the arrival of “worrying” strains.
Two variants of curiosity have been recognized in Brazil – although just one, which has a small variety of mutations, has been detected within the UK.
Chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance mentioned it was possible that the present vaccines will present safety towards different variants, however mentioned “the query is to what diploma”.
Greater than 3.2 million folks have now acquired a primary dose of a Covid-19 vaccine within the UK – round double the quantity in comparison with final week.
The Authorities has set a goal of vaccinating 15 million of essentially the most weak folks within the UK by mid-February.
Mr Johnson mentioned that after then “we’ll take into consideration what steps we might take to carry the restrictions”, however pressured that any easing will rely upon what is going on with the virus.
He additionally warned that the NHS is dealing with “extraordinary pressures”, saying “this isn’t the time for the slightest rest of our nationwide resolve”.
The Prime Minister mentioned: “On Tuesday, we noticed 4,134 new admissions to hospital on a single day – the best at any level on this pandemic.
“There are actually greater than 37,000 Covid sufferers in hospitals throughout the UK and despite all of the efforts of our medical doctors and nurses and our medical employees we’re now seeing most cancers remedies sadly postponed, ambulances queuing, and intensive care models spilling over into adjoining wards.”
Mr Johnson mentioned round one third of Covid sufferers admitted to hospital are below 65, whereas 1 / 4 are below 55.
He added: “So it could possibly have an effect on and does have an effect on large numbers of youthful folks as properly, typically very badly, and the danger is that these numbers can be tremendously inflated if we let go too quickly in circumstances the place the illness was actually rampant.
“That isn’t to say that I don’t need to attempt to get to relaxations as quickly as we moderately can – however there are a whole lot of issues that need to go proper.”
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty mentioned restrictions would have to be eased step by step, telling the briefing: “We’re not going to maneuver from a sudden lockdown state of affairs to nothing.
“It must be strolling backwards by levels, testing what works, after which if that works going the following step.”
Prof Whitty additionally mentioned the variety of sufferers being admitted to hospital with coronavirus is ready to peak throughout the subsequent 10 days – however that the height in deaths will likely be later.
He mentioned that whereas it was “very possible” the outlook for the UK will enhance tremendously by the spring – suggesting sooner or later after Easter – it won’t “instantly” be “throughout”.
An additional 1,280 folks died inside 28 days of testing constructive for Covid-19 as of Friday, whereas there have been one other 55,761 lab-confirmed circumstances of coronavirus within the UK.
In different developments:
– The worldwide dying toll from Covid-19 has handed two million, in line with a rely from Johns Hopkins College within the US.
– Boris Johnson mentioned 45% of the over-80s and nearly 40% of care dwelling residents have acquired a minimum of one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
– Authorities scientists put the newest reproductive quantity – the R charge – for the UK at 1.2 to 1.3, for information examined as much as January 11.
Elsewhere within the UK, toughened lockdown restrictions will come into pressure in Scotland – with new guidelines on takeaway food and drinks, and the tip of non-essential click-and-collect providers.
In Wales, First Minister Mark Drakeford introduced new measures for supermarkets as a consequence of “important proof” that coronavirus is spreading amongst prospects and employees.
And in Northern Eire, Stormont well being minister Robin Swann mentioned it was “extremely unlikely” restrictions will likely be eased when their six-week lockdown ends.
Supply: www.inverness-courier.co.uk
