Jersey has classified the whole of the UK as ‘red’ for all arrivals because of the new, more contagious variant of Covid-19.
Previously, the Channel island had categorised regions in the UK into three bands – green, amber and red – with different testing and isolation requirements when arriving in Jersey.
All passengers have to self-isolate upon arrival.
Visitors from ‘red’ destinations must take a free PCR test on the day of arrival, day five and day 10, and self-isolate until receiving a negative test result from the day 10 test.
Chief minister John le Fondré said: “As a precautionary measure, and based on scientific advice, we will be classifying all UK arrivals as red.
“This will include anyone going to the UK for a day trip. This will be in place for at least a week.
“We will not be hard-closing our border due to our ongoing need to send patients to the UK and to allow residents home to Jersey.
“Patient treatment will continue, and islanders won’t be left stranded in the UK, but everyone arriving will need to be tested three times and stay in isolation until their day 10 negative.”
Dr Ivan Muscat, deputy medical officer of health, added: “There is strong evidence to support that the new variant the UK does not affect the severity of symptoms or responsiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“However, the NHS England chief medical officer has estimated a 70% increase in transmission as a result of this mutation with a 0.4 increase in the R rate which we need to respond to.
“We are working with the UK to establish whether Jersey has this new strain.”
The island currently has a hospitality circuit breaker in place, so all licensed premises, including hotels and B&Bs, are closed until further notice.
Visitors have to wear masks on flights and ferries to Jersey, in airport and harbour buildings and on public transport. Everyone should wear a mask in public places and in crowded spaces where social distancing is difficult.
For details about travel to Jersey, visit the Travel Weekly Restart & Recovery Hub.