x

COVID-19 Omicron: UK Govt puts Nigeria on red list, Bans foreign Travellers

The United Kingdom says Nigeria will be added to the countries on its red list as a result of the discovery of COVID Omicron cases linked to Nigeria.

Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, disclosed this on Saturday in a television interview.

The UK had also placed a temporary ban on air travel from six southern African countries — South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe — with immediate effect to prevent importation of the variant into Britain.

According to the new protocol announced on Saturday, non-UK and non-Irish citizens who are travelling in from Nigeria will not be allowed entry into the UK.

“Over the recent days, we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria. There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing. Nigeria narrows second only to South Africa in terms of cases linked to Omicron,” he said.

“So today, the government has decided to add Nigeria to the travel red list and that will be effective from 4am on Monday. This will mean that only UK residents or citizens of the UK can enter the UK from Nigeria from that point onwards, and they would have to quarantine in one of the relevant hotels.

“We’ve also decided to require pre-departure tests for all inward travellers that will be effective from 4am on Tuesday, and they’ll be required maximum of 48 hours before the departure time.”

A statement by the British High Commission also noted that the ban is temporary and “follows 21 recent cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) linked to Nigeria”.

The ban will also not apply to persons “staying airside and only transiting through”.

Hot this week

INSPIRATION: Do Not Let Life Define You

With Mary EwaThough bashed, pained, rejected, and even abandoned,...

INSPIRATION:Take a Break — Find Clarity in Stillness

By Mary EwaSometimes, life feels like a race with...

Wike Assures 12-Month Completion of Nigerian Law School Hostel

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike...

Sunday, 26 October 2025 Premier League15:00 CET AFC BournemouthvNottm Forest ...

US-Based Nigerian Entrepreneur Relocates to Abuja, Set to Employ 10,000 Workers in Restaurant Venture

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaA United States-based Nigerian entrepreneur and...

CSO Urges State Governors to Emulate Jigawa Governor, Approve Advance Payment for 2026 Hajj

By Jabiru HassanIndependent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil...

Plateau Government Reaffirms Support for NYSC’s Rural Health Initiative in Jos East

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Plateau State Government has reaffirmed...

Jang Congratulates Plateau PDP, Commends Gov. Mutfwang for Peaceful Congress

By Israel Adamu, JosFormer Governor of Plateau State, Senator...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img