UK bans all travel from South America over COVID variant

Decision due to fears over Brazil COVID-19 variant, with travel ban also including Portugal

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – The UK announced Thursday that it is banning travel from all countries in South America as well as Portugal over fears of the new COVID-19 variant from Brazil.

“I've taken the urgent decision to BAN ARRIVALS from ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, BOLIVIA, CAPE VERDE, CHILE, COLOMBIA, ECUADOR, FRENCH GUIANA, GUYANA, PANAMA, PARAGUAY, PERU, SURINAME, URUGUAY AND VENEZUELA - from TOMORROW, 15 JAN at 4AM following evidence of a new variant in Brazil,” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted.

“Travel from PORTUGAL to the UK will also be suspended, given its strong travel links with Brazil - acting as another way to reduce the risk of importing infections. However, there is an exemption for hauliers travelling from Portugal [only], to allow transport of essential goods.

“This measure does not apply to British and Irish Nationals and third country nationals with residence rights - but passengers returning from these destinations must self-isolate for TEN DAYS along with their households,” he added.

Official figures show the UK has recorded 48,682 new COVID-19 cases and 1,248 further deaths in the latest 24-hour period, while more than 2.9 million first doses of vaccine have now been administered.

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