Denmark was abruptly removed from the UK’s travel corridors list early this morning just hours after the exclusion of Germany and Sweden.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps warned that people arriving in the UK from the Scandinavian country would face 14 days quarantine from 4am today (Friday).
The announcement was made at 1.30am, just two and a half hours before the rule came into force.
More: Germany and Sweden removed from UK travel corridors list
Shapps said: “I have taken the swift decision to urgently remove Denmark from the government’s travel corridor list as a precautionary measure given recent developments.
“Passengers arriving into the UK from Denmark from 4am on Friday 6 November 2020 (today) will need to self-isolate for 14 days by law before following domestic restrictions now in force.”
The minister added: “I understand that this will be concerning for both people currently in Denmark and the wider UK public, which is why we have moved quickly to protect our country and prevent the spread of the virus to the UK.
“Health authorities in Denmark have reported widespread outbreaks of coronavirus in mink farms, with a variant strain of the virus spreading to some local communities.
“The chief medical officer has therefore recommended that, as precautionary measure, all those returning from Denmark should self-isolate for 14 days.
“People currently in Denmark may finish their trip, follow the local rules and check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice pages on GOV.UK for further information.”
Shapps continued: “While new lockdown rules mean leaving home in order to travel for holidays is no longer permitted, the government’s travel corridor policy remains a critical part of the government’s Covid-19 response as it mitigates the risk of importing infections from abroad.”
Travellers arriving in the UK from Germany or Sweden after 4am on Saturday will need to quarantine for 14 days.
More: Germany and Sweden removed from UK travel corridors list
