UK adds Czech Republic, Switzerland to quarantine list

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) - Brits returning from the Czech Republic, Jamaica, and Switzerland will have to quarantine for two weeks from the coming Saturday, the British transport secretary announced on Thursday, as over 1,500 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours.

"Data shows we need to remove the Czech Republic, Jamaica and Switzerland from our list of #Coronavirus Travel Corridors to keep infection rates DOWN. If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days," Grant Shapps said on Twitter.

"Data also shows we can now add Cuba to those countries INCLUDED in Travel Corridors. As with all air bridge countries, please be aware that things can (and do sometimes) change quickly. Only travel if you are content to unexpectedly 14-day quarantine on return," Shapps added.

He also warned the public that "Quarantining on return from a non-Travel Corridor country is a legal requirement and you commit a criminal offence if you break that quarantine. Fines, as well as a criminal record can result."

The government announced on Thursday that 1,522 more people across the UK tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 330,368.

The daily figures also showed that 12 more people died due to the virus over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 41,477.